Cobogó armchair by Roque Frizzo for Saccaro

[all photos courtesy of Saccaro]

Brazilian furniture brand Saccaro celebrated the launch of its newest piece last week, designed by architect and furniture designer Roque Frizzo. While the new Cobogó armchair is interesting enough in its own right, the inspiration behind the luxe-looking chair is even more fascinating.

The Cobogó armchair is a nod to the time-honored perforated brick of the same name used in many buildings throughout Brazil since the 1920s. The brick's pierced elements were especially useful in the country's hot northeast region, ensuring natural ventilation as they let light seep inside.

The cobogó brick’s name is an acronym from the surnames of the three Brazilian engineers who created it—Amadeu Oliveira Coimbra, Ernest August Boeckmann and Antônio de Góis. Like the brick, the Cobogó armchair features hollow elements that let natural light shine through, scattering shadows on the floor to create unique patterns.

With hand-woven leather side panels and solid Louro Canela wood arms, the Cobogó armchair is also a reflection of Frizzo's signature design concepts, which combine wood with other natural materials.

Saccaro has released a promotional video on the Cobogó, which takes itself awfully seriously when you consider that we're talking about a piece of furniture, but it sure is gorgeous. Take a look...