Interview with The Designer: Model 13

It’s finally here: Our comfiest sofa yet. Designed for slower mornings, longer evenings and everything in between, this is Swyft’s deepest, cosiest sofa so far. To bring it to life, we sat down with designer André to talk comfort-first design, the details that make all the difference, and how this sofa became the ultimate place to sink in and switch off.

What inspired the overall design of the Model 13 sofa? 

AF: Honestly, we wanted to design a cloud you can actually sit on. The goal was simple: make the most comfortable sofa for Swyft. We decided the design had to be inviting. It's big, it's soft, and perfect for relaxing all day. 

How did you approach balancing style, comfort, and versatility in this model? 

AF: I think those three elements can’t exist separately. Style sets the character, comfort gives it purpose, and versatility makes it work in every home. So, the approach was to keep the lines simple, the volumes generous, and the modular system as intuitive as possible. The sofa adapts to the user, not the other way around. 

Can you explain the modular design of Model 13 and how it allows for so many configurations? 

AF: The magic is in the Swyft Loks and the crocodile connectors. The backs and arms literally slot into place without tools, and the bases lock together securely so nothing wanders around the living room. Each module is independent, so you can build anything from a small two-piece setup to a massive U-shaped lounge. 

How did you decide on the combination of feathers and hollow fibre for the cushions? 

AF: We wanted that perfect middle ground. Just feathers is too flat, and just foam is too hard. So, we went with a mix: 70% duck feather and 30% hollow fibre. The feathers give you that luxury feel when you sit, and the fibre acts like tiny springs to keep the shape. It's a really great combo. 

Were there any challenges in making sure comfort is consistent across all module combinations? 

AF: The tricky part is making sure the middle seat feels just as good as the corner. We fixed this by making the inside exactly the same for every part: springs and layers of high-quality foam. Every piece is built the same way, so every seat is comfortable. 

How do you ensure that the sofa remains stable and secure even in its many modular arrangements? 

AF: The crocodile connectors do the heavy lifting, keeping the modules firmly linked so nothing shifts or drifts. The bases are robust, and the Swyft Lok connections for the backs and arms were designed to handle real, everyday use. 

Were there lifestyle or living space considerations that guided your design decisions? 

AF: Definitely. Homes today are multifunctional: work, relax, host, recharge. We wanted a sofa that supports all of that. And one that works in small flats, bigger homes, and everything in between. Model 13 is for people who want comfort without compromising on looks or flexibility. 

If a customer could take away one key benefit of the Model 13, what would it be? 

AF: Uncompromised comfort. It adapts to your life, your space, and your habits.