Humanscale recently collaborated with textile designer Elizabeth Whelan to create Fourtis, a versatile and sustainably-crafted performance textile. Inspired by the Latin word fortis, meaning strong, this fabric is the ultimate ratio of durability and flexibility thanks to a unique weave offering four-way stretch. This inventive construction allows Fourtis to closely conform to Humanscale's ergonomic seat cushions so end-users can feel fully supported as they move in their chair.
Sustainably manufactured to create a net positive impact, Fourtis is compliant with the Living Product Challenge, a rigorous framework for healthy and sustainable products from the International Living Future Institute. It also maintains industry-leading standards for performance without the use of a stain resistant finish, a prevalent practice in the furnishing industry that puts users into direct contact with toxic chemicals.
"When designing Fourtis, I focused on its intended outcome. The fabric needed to exhibit four-way stretch, have a blend of at least two colors, meet Grade 1 standards, and qualify for the Living Product Challenge," commented Whelan. "Because of these diverse criteria, there really is more to this fabric, and most Humanscale fabrics, than meets the eye. I hope that with the of this inventive line, we'll be able to move the market on what the future of fabric textile design will be."
In the prototyping process, Whelan found that while most crepe weaves create a crinkle texture, a satin base weave could create a smooth surface. The effect is a very small scale motif that offers a tailored look. Another subtle but impactful detail, Fourtis features a black warp yarn which sets up an energizing color relationship. Fourtis is available in a palette of earthen hues including Ash, Alaria, Black, Boysenberry, Clover, Granite, Hyacinth, Navy, Nimbus and Winterberry.
