Marie Kristine Schmidt, CEO at GUBI, on the comeback of Pierre Paulin’s sculptural F300 lounge chair and it’s companion T877 table.
Why do you think the F300 continues to resonate with interior designers today?
The F300 has an extraordinary ability to bridge the past and the future. When Pierre Paulin first introduced it in the late 1960s, it defied categorization — a bold, sculptural form that felt radically futuristic yet deeply intuitive in its comfort. That quality hasn’t diminished over time. In fact, today’s designers are drawn to pieces that challenge convention while offering versatility, and the F300 delivers on both counts. Its playful silhouette and organic lines lend it strong visual character, while its low-slung, lounge-like ergonomics suit a variety of contemporary living and hospitality environments. It’s a rare design that manages to be both iconic and adaptable.
How does F300 align with current trends in design and sustainability?
Designers today are increasingly drawn to pieces that combine striking form with a thoughtful approach to materials and longevity. With the F300, we saw an opportunity to bring a visionary design into a new era — not just in look, but in how it’s made. While originally produced in fiberglass, we’ve reengineered the chair using HiREK®, a high-performance polymer created from industrial plastic waste. This material allows us to maintain the sculptural integrity and high-gloss finish that defines the F300 while reducing its environmental footprint. It’s UV-resistant, weatherproof, and suited to both indoor and outdoor use — aligning perfectly with the fluid, flexible lifestyles of today and the growing demand for future-ready design.
Can you tell us more about the process of sourcing and selecting the HiREK material?
It was a rigorous and highly intentional process. The original F300 relied on materials that were groundbreaking in the ’60s, but we wanted to ensure that this reissue met the environmental and performance standards of the 21st century. That led us to HiREK — an advanced, Italian-made engineered polymer known for its smooth finish, durability, and ability to handle complex forms. We tested a range of materials, but HiREK stood out for its ability to precisely capture the F300’s sinuous shape and glossy surface without additional finishing — minimizing waste in production. It also has a solid-color composition, so minor surface marks are virtually invisible. It’s a material that supports both the aesthetic and the ethics of the design.
What makes the combination of the F300 and T877 an ideal pairing in both residential and commercial spaces?
The F300 and T877 were conceived in dialogue — both share the same design DNA: sculptural fluidity, material innovation, and a bold, modernist vision. When placed together, they create a harmonious visual language that’s striking yet accessible. In residential settings, they offer casual elegance and adaptability — light enough to move from room to room, or even outside on a sunny day. In commercial spaces, they provide a unique aesthetic edge while being practical and durable. With a choice of colorways and the inherent portability of the HiREK material, they can transform any environment with a sense of spontaneity and style. Whether standing alone or used in clusters, they make a powerful impression without overpowering a space.
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