Design Preview Report

For my final project, I have chosen to make an Adirondack ski chair, or a lounging outdoor chair made from a collection of vintage ski sets. My dad has spent over 30 years collecting vintage skis, most of which are from the 1990s and early 2000s. He has always dreamed repurposing them into a functional ski chair. Inspired by his passion for skiing and the rich history encapsulated in these relics, I aim to transform a collection of skis into a distinctive outdoor chair that molds function and the nostalgia aesthetic. At its core, my project is about transforming a series of vintage ski sets into a piece of outdoor furniture. The chair’s structure will be built using reclaimed skis that have weathered years of mountain adventures. The design aims to retain the character of the skis by preserving their original graphics and form while integrating modern construction techniques for durability and comfort.

The primary aesthetic I have chosen is a blend of rustic nostalgia and mountaincore aesthetics. I think this design follows the rugged, authentic feel of outdoor adventure. The aged materials and vintage ski graphics contribute to an atmosphere of heritage and authenticity and also being an homage to my dad’s passion for skiing. An image of the design I was trying to achieve is below (Image 1 and Featured Image of the post). My primary inspiration comes from the vintage ski culture that defined the 1990s and early 2000s. Brands like K2 produced skis that were not just tools for sport but also objects of art. I drew heavily from the aesthetics presented in archived materials on the K2 / Rossignol websites and vintage ski photography featured in Ski Magazine (Image 2​).

Here are some of the skis I plan on using for this project (Image 3).

I also researched contemporary outdoor furniture designs that incorporate reclaimed materials. Designers in the sustainable furniture movement have long championed the reuse of vintage elements to create new, meaningful objects. While my project does not directly replicate any single design, it adapts and reinterprets these ideas. I combined the functional robustness of outdoor furniture with the emotional resonance of repurposed ski memorabilia. Each ski represents a chapter of history, and by integrating them into the chair, I am able to honor both the aesthetic of the past and the necessity for modern comfort and durability. My vision is to bridge the gap between past and present, merging a rich heritage with a contemporary design. The final artifact will be a statement piece that celebrates the legacy of skiing. and will serve as a homage to my father’s influence and the broader culture of mountain adventure.

Now, I will get into some design specifications. The chair must be able to support the weight of an adult while withstanding the elements. This involves reinforcing the vintage skis with modern hardware and using weather-resistant finishes. While the skis provide a unique aesthetic, the chair must be comfortable for prolonged sitting. Ergonomic considerations will guide the shaping of the seat and backrest. I also think the rustic look of the worn skis should contrast and complement modern elements such as hidden fasteners and possibly metal reinforcements.

Before finalizing the vintage outdoor adventure aesthetic, I explored two alternative design directions, including futuristic minimalism and bohemian electric. I envisioned a design where the skis were transformed into sleek, sculptural elements for our last post. This version would have minimized the visible wear and tear of the skis by coating them in a monochrome finish and maybe LED lighting. The overall look would be high-tech, with smooth lines and a focus on minimalism. However, while modern and innovative, this design risked stripping away the history embedded in the original ski shapes. The second alternative embraced a vibrant mix of textures and colors. In this approach, the project would incorporate skis from the 1970s or earlier with high-contrast colors. Although this aesthetic brought forward a fun and dynamic energy, it ultimately diverged from the personal narrative and sentimental value of the original concept.

I began by researching vintage ski designs and studying the structural elements of outdoor furniture. This phase involved reviewing online archives and sketching initial ideas. I produced a series of hand-drawn sketches that explored various configurations. These sketches highlighted potential seating angles, support structures, and overall forms. I included two hand sketches (Images 4 and 5) of the two separate alternate design aesthetics respectively, but I believe the first sketch image is the closest to what I am going to try and design.

The primary materials for the project are the vintage skis from my dad’s collection. In addition, I will source weather-resistant fasteners (stainless steel), and maybe durable outdoor cushions for added comfort. If additional skis are needed, I plan to acquire them through local listings such as Facebook Marketplace. The fabrication process will be carried out in several key stages. Using precision cutting tools, I will trim the skis to fit the design dimensions outlined in the CAD drawings. Any modifications will be planned to maintain the skis’ aesthetic while ensuring that they contribute to a strong structure. The skis will be connected using high-strength bolts, and welding if necessary. I may also add a protective coating to guard against weather damage and to enhance the finish.

I have created a timeline graphic that outlines the entire process from conceptualization to final assembly. The timeline includes the following phases:

• Weeks 1–2: Exploration and Initial Sketching
  During this period, I focused on gathering inspiration, creating sketches, and drafting initial design ideas.

• Weeks 3–7: Material Sourcing, Prototyping and Gathering Parts
  This phase involved sourcing vintage skis and supplementary materials and getting all the components ready for assembly.

• Weeks 8–10 (if necessary): Fabrication and Assembly
  The bulk of the work takes place during this stage as I carefully cut, shape, and join the skis into the final configuration.

The process of translating a nostalgic concept into a technically viable design has presented several challenges: including balancing the wanted aesthetic and functionality, learning how to make the chair structurally sound, and the variability in materials of the chair. Preserving the vintage look of the skis while ensuring the chair’s structural integrity has required careful consideration. For example, reinforcing the skis without covering up the original graphics has been a particularly tough balance. I have had to figure out how to assemble the chair as well. Although these new skills have steep learning curves, they are essential to ensure the final product is both safe and aesthetically pleasing. Also, working with reclaimed materials means that no two skis are identical. Variations in size, wear, and structural condition required some adjustments during assembly.

The fabrication process is the backbone of my project. Here is an in-depth look at the steps I will follow to transform my design into a finished product. All vintage skis will be cleaned using environmentally friendly solvents to remove dirt and any residues of previous use. I will then perform an inspection to ensure that each piece is safe for the final assembly. Using a combination of saws and grinders, the skis will be trimmed to the rough dimensions required by the CAD plans that I plan to use. Care will be taken to retain the original graphics and contours as much as possible.

The next phase involves joining the skis together to form the basic structure of the chair. I plan to use both welding and bolted connections. The welding will be executed with precision to ensure a strong bond while minimizing visual disruption of the vintage aesthetic. I have experience on scrap material to ensure that I am ready for the final assembly in case I need it. After assembling the primary frame, I will add reinforcements in high load-bearing areas. Cushions and supports will be integrated to ensure that the chair is comfortable for everyday use. These additions will be designed to complement the rustic look rather than detract from it. The final fabrication step involves applying a protective finish to the entire structure if time allows. This not only preserves the vintage character of the skis but also protects them from outdoor weather conditions. I plan to use a UV-resistant sealant that enhances the wood and metal components without altering their natural look. Once the assembly and finishing touches are complete, the chair will undergo a series of tests to verify its load-bearing capacity and overall stability.

This project is much more than an exercise in repurposing old materials; it is a journey of self-discovery and homage. The design, which melds my father’s cherished ski collection with contemporary outdoor furniture aesthetics, symbolizes the intersection of memory and modernity. Through this project, I aim to not only to create a functional piece of furniture but also to capture a piece of my personal history and the timeless spirit of mountain adventures. The exploration of alternate aesthetics which was futuristic minimalism that emphasized sleek modernity and the bohemian eclectic that shows chaos and vibrant expression allowed me to assess different aspects of design philosophy. However, the original vintage outdoor adventure concept remained the most compelling because it directly ties to my father’s legacy and my own passion for skiing. The chair, in its final form, stands as a narrative piece that invites viewers to remember that design can be both practical and deeply personal.

In conclusion, the vintage ski lounging chair shows how personal history and modern design can converge to create something truly unique. This project has allowed me to experiment with various design methodologies, explore new fabrication techniques, and, most importantly, pay tribute to the cherished memories of my childhood and my father’s lifelong passion for skiing. The chair will stand as a legacy piece, one that tells a story of past adventures, learned skills, and the timeless charm of the great outdoors.

Image 1 and Featured Image, 2025: Adirondack Chair Made With Reclaimed Snow Skis – Etsy

Image 2: Ski Magazine Cover from 1991: Daftar Serta Masuk Saat ini Di Situs Slots Online Terbaik Ojekslot

Image 3: Some of the skis I will be using for my project.

Image 4: Preliminary hand sketch of the bohemian electric alternative aesthetic.

Image 5: Preliminary hand sketch of the futuristic minimalism alternative aesthetic.