Project type: Custom replica sofa
Reference design: Walter Leeman – Zeppelin Sofa for Velda (1970s)
Client location: Lecce, Italy
Key focus: Special material application & structural stability
This project centers on a sculptural tube sofa inspired by a 1970s Italian design icon.While the form appears soft and minimal, the combination of continuous tubular geometry and reflective silver leather places exceptionally high demands on structure, material control, and long-term stability.
This project centers on a sculptural tube sofa inspired by a 1970s Italian design icon.While the form appears soft and minimal, the combination of continuous tubular geometry and reflective silver leather places exceptionally high demands on structure, material control, and long-term stability.
At first glance, the sofa is defined by its bold, inflated volume and seamless curves.
However, several design factors significantly increase production complexity:
Silver leather upholstery
Reflective leather magnifies every surface detail, leaving no room for structural error.
Continuous tube form
The sofa’s shape must remain consistent across all curves, without distortion or collapse.
No visible support legs
With no exposed base, all stability depends entirely on the internal structure.
Large sculptural volume
Oversized proportions amplify the risk of deformation over time.
These factors make the project less about appearance, and more about engineering judgment.
To ensure long-term shape retention and seating comfort, we advised against an all-molded foam structure.
Instead, the final structure combines:
· Reinforced metal inner frame
· High-resilience sponge for rebound and comfort
· Strong internal webbing to distribute load evenly
This structural system allows the sofa to maintain its tubular form over time, even under frequent use.
For maintaining the tube shape, a metal inner frame combined with high-resilience sponge and strong webbing offers better long-term durability and seating experience than molded foam alone.
Every stage of this project followed a clear, traceable workflow:
1. Requirement Briefing
2. Design & Reference Confirmation
3. Material Sampling & Approval
4. Quotation & Technical Confirmation
5. Production
6. Quality Inspection & Delivery
This process ensures that decisions are made before risks turn into problems.
Material Sampling & Approval
Because silver leather plays a defining role in both appearance and risk control, material confirmation was treated as a mandatory step, not a formality.
Before any production decision, a physical material sample was arranged and approved.
Sample details:
Material: Silver leather
Shipping method: International express
Cost: USD 40 (shipping only, sample free of charge)
Duties & taxes: Fully covered
Purpose: Material confirmation before production
For material-driven designs, seeing and touching the actual material is a critical step — never an option.
Reference Market Price: USD 26,326
Final Project Cost: USD 4,280
Cost Difference: ≈ 84%
The value lies not only in price, but in clarity — a result achieved through structured decision-making, material validation, and engineering control.
What This Case Demonstrates
In this case, the client was looking to recreate a sculptural 1970s tube sofa using reflective silver leather—a combination that leaves little margin for error.
To address the risks involved, we focused on early material validation, structural assessment, and engineering-led decision-making, including physical material sampling and reinforced internal construction.
By resolving complexity before production, the final result achieved both visual impact and long-term structural stability.
Looking for a Similar Solution?
Whether it’s complex structures, limited editions, or unconventional materials, Homebridge supports projects that require more than standard sourcing.
If you have a reference image, sketch, or idea, share it with us.
We’ll focus on structure, materials, and feasibility — before production begins.
