Phantom Hands NO. 11 2 seater fabric sofa

Colombo was the centre of Geoffrey Bawa’s social and work life, and his home at No.‎ 11, 33rd lane, was at its heart.‎ For nearly four decades he hosted friends, colleagues, clients, visitors and a range of other people here.‎ The NO.‎ 11 sofa was one of several pieces he designed to accommodate them.‎ The sofa seat was designed on the basis of a standard size 1960s Sri Lankan mattress and a timber framed hardboard backrest was added to it.‎ It aptly reflects Bawa’s style, combining existing elements to create something simple, contemporary and suitable to the overall design of his space.‎ Heavy coconut fibre seat cushions were placed on the sofa to reduce the seat depth and additional square cushions provided for back and arm support.‎ The sofa’s signature black-and-white checkerboard fabric was sourced from Barefoot, the textile atelier founded by Bawa’s longtime friend and collaborator Barbara Sansoni.‎ The black-and-white checkerboard theme can also be seen in the floor pattern of the Garden Room at Lunuganga.‎ Phantom Hands’ re-edition comes in two versions - one which retains the sofa's original dimensions and a scaled-down version with reduced depth, making it compatible for contemporary use and for people of different heights.‎ The black and white upholstery fabric is from Barefoot in a special unbleached white to mimic the patina of the sofa fabric of the original piece at No.‎ 11, 33rd lane.‎ The handwoven fabric is reinforced with a knit backing for added strength and durability.‎ Further info from manufacturer on NO. 11 Phantom Hands