Introducing the first class suite that changes with the seasons

Merino wool is widely hailed as the best in the market thanks to its superior quality, softness and breathability. As it happens, it also makes a very fine material for first class airline suites, as the new Modulo concept from Caon Design Office demonstrates.

A collaboration between wool industry certifier Woolmark and the Sydney-based Caon team, which is also behind Qantas’ forthcoming A350 first and business class, the concept is intended as a one-size-fits-all for all seat classes.

A sliding privacy door closes at the push of a button.

Unveiled via Instagram, the agency says Modulo was “born from the desire to challenge the status quo of aircraft cabin interiors by addressing key issues such as weight reduction, sustainability, and the need for frequent cabin refreshes.”

At its core is a 3D-knitted mesh of wool and elastic polymers, which wraps around the interior and exterior of the seat, supported by a lightweight skeleton of titanium, aluminium, and carbon fibre.

A close-up of the Modulo seat storage and controls.

Easily removable, this semi-transparent skin not only provides privacy and airflow, but allows airlines to quickly change the look and feel of the seat with the seasons – think a warm red or orange in summer, blue or green in winter and spring.

A screenshot of the seat's promotional video shows how the skin is removed.

The seat itself is flexible too, morphing as you adjust position from a seat to a lie-flat bed, with the arm rest sinking into the bed for greater space and comfort on long journeys.

Modulo from Caon Design Office and Woolmark.

Storage is delivered under and inside an ottoman at the foot of the suite, as well as alongside the armrest, where a timber-look panel slides up to reveal space for a small laptop, headphones and bottle of water.

Storage where you need it.

Electric controls for the seat and sliding privacy door are discreetly embedded into the side wall, while the tray table lifts out from the armrest, making for a clean and minimalist look.

Continuing the aviation theme, Caon Design Office also recently pulled back the curtains on a redesigned aircraft boarding experience, transforming it into a hotel-like lobby space.

The concept was created for Aircraft Interiors Magazine.

Of course, both are mere concepts for now, though they do provide an intriguing look at the shape of cabins to come as airlines increasingly seek out flexible, lighter weight materials.