The world's first riveted steel furniture, faithfully reissued.
In 1909, the Rowac-Schemel Model I became the very first seat ever made of riveted light-gauge steel sheet. Adopted by factories, schools — and by Walter Gropius himself for the Bauhaus in Dessau — it embodies the essence of industrial design: robust, functional, timeless.
More than 100 years later, this icon is still hand-crafted in Germany's Erzgebirge mountains, faithful to the original, within 40 km of Chemnitz. Every Schemel is hand-assembled using 1909 techniques: forming, riveting, finishing — no welding, no shortcuts.
Why riveting? Unlike welded steel furniture, which breaks under stress, riveted construction flexes without breaking. It is the same technique used for 19th-century bridges and metal frameworks. Structural stiffeners ensure stability and lightness. This is what gives the Rowac-Schemel its exceptional longevity — many examples are still in use after more than 100 years.
- Riveted steel: cold-rolled steel base, formed and riveted. No welds — the rivet's flexibility absorbs stress.
- PEFC-certified solid wood: hand-turned seat in local Erzgebirge species.
- 16 combinations: 4 base finishes × 4 wood species. Each Schemel is unique.
- Bauhaus: chosen by Walter Gropius as his working seat at the Bauhaus in Dessau.
Discover also: tall Rowac Schemel stool 75 cm.
- Overall height: 50 cm
- Seat diameter: approx. 35 cm
- Footprint: approx. 40 × 40 cm
- Weight: approx. 3.5 kg
- Frame: Cold-rolled steel, formed and riveted
- Seat: Turned solid wood, PEFC-certified
- Hardware: Steel
- Made in the Erzgebirge, Germany
To ensure reliable delivery with optimal nationwide coverage, we rely on La Poste via their Colissimo service. If you are not home, a delivery notice will allow you to collect your parcel at the nearest post office.
RECEIVING YOUR PARCEL Please inspect the outer condition of the parcel in the presence of the delivery person or at the counter. If the box is visibly damaged, crushed, or opened, we advise you to refuse delivery and note a specific reservation on the delivery receipt.
RETURNS AND EXCHANGES In accordance with current legislation, you have 14 days from receipt to exercise your right of withdrawal. Return shipping costs are borne by the customer, unless the product has a proven defect. Items must be returned in their original packaging.
