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-shaped 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: 3.8 kg
- Frame: Cold-rolled steel, formed and riveted
- Seat: Hand-shaped solid wood, PEFC-certified
- Hardware: Steel
- Manufacturing: Ore Mountains (Erzgebirge), Germany
To ensure reliable shipping and optimal nationwide coverage, we have chosen to entrust our deliveries to the La Poste group through its Colissimo service. If you are not at home, a delivery notice will allow you to collect your item from the nearest post office.
RECEIVING YOUR PARCEL It is essential to check the outside of the parcel in the presence of the delivery driver or the post office clerk. If the box is visibly damaged, crushed or open, please refuse the parcel and record a specific reservation on the delivery slip.
RETURNS AND EXCHANGES In accordance with the legislation in force, you have 14 days from receipt to exercise your right of withdrawal. Return costs are borne by the customer, except in the event of a proven product defect. Items must be returned in their original packaging.
