Woodgate Radius sofa by Terence Woodgate

Woodgate Radius sofa & On Edge side table

By Terence Woodgate

We take a look at a design of minimalist beauty which has been in continuous production since 1995 and a new side table composed of basic geometric forms.

When Terence Woodgate first designed the Woodgate sofa in 1995, it would have been very difficult to imagine that the design would go on to be one of SCP’s most popular pieces, even harder to think it would stay in continuous production for 26 years. Yet that is exactly what happened. Terence Woodgate is a designer with a reputation for creating minimalist pieces, but that definition fails to shed light on his mastery of human scale.

 

Woodgate Radius sofa by Terence Woodgate
Woodgate Radius sofa by Terence Woodgate
Woodgate Radius sofa by Terence Woodgate

What is remarkable about the Woodgate sofa is how adaptable the design has proved to be. Terence explains: “When I modelled it recently, I didn’t think I don’t like that anymore, I still think it looks great. It looks right in every iteration, or composition. It also lends itself to that modular configuration.”

It was perhaps this quality that was the catalyst for the success of the design. In 1995 and in the years immediately following it, there was a new appetite for modular sofa designs, ones that could be specified in multiple configurations. The Woodgate fitted the bill perfectly, it was austere enough to work perfectly in commercial environments, while being comfortable enough to fit in well at home, and it sold well in both domains.

"When I modelled it recently, I didn't think I don't like that anymore, I still think it looks great. It looks right in every iteration, or composition. It also lends itself to that modular configuration."

Terence Woodgate
Woodgate Radius sofa by Terence Woodgate

"The materials you use in a design can go in and out of vogue, you can define a period by finishes and materials, but with the Woodgate sofa, it's important that the form is still really pleasing."

Terence Woodgate

The new Woodgate Radius is very little changed from the original design, it has been re-engineered to use sustainable and natural materials in the upholstery and there is a slight change in the arc of the back. The design is also now available with wooden legs, which were a feature of the design when it was first launched. As Terence notes: “The materials you use in a design can go in and out of vogue, you can define a period by finishes and materials, but with the Woodgate sofa, it’s important that the form is still really pleasing.”

 

Side table by Terence Woodgate
Side table by Terence Woodgate
Side table by Terence Woodgate
Side table by Terence Woodgate

"I am always playing around geometrically with shapes and forms. I am interested in the way that furniture sits, its relationship with the ground is interesting."

Terence Woodgate

Alongside the reengineered version of the sofa, Terence has created the On Edge side table for the 2021 Collection. It’s a large three-legged side table that is a geometric play with shape and form. The pared back design is intentionally heavy in nature, but sits lightly on the ground. Terence outlined his thinking behind the design:

“I am always playing around geometrically with shapes and forms. I am interested in the way that furniture sits, its relationship with the ground is interesting.”

This table sits on the ground on the edges of its legs, creating a kind of visual trick that lends the design a real sense of poise.

A big thank you to Terence Woodgate for talking to us, and we hope the sofa continues in production for another quarter of a century.

SCP 2021 Collection

Further reading