Seamless transitions

No longer the poor, practical relation of its indoor counterparts, outdoor furniture has undergone something of a transformation. From an aesthetic point of view, the days of ‘drab but durable’ have come to a close, and the boundaries between indoors and out are being irreversibly broken down.

As a result, an increasing number of furniture manufacturers are turning to outdoor furniture as an obvious next step in their evolution. Clients are demanding a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces, creating obvious opportunity for companies that can service both.

Natural progression

“As a specialist in residential and contract furniture, we were constantly being asked to ‘complete’ our collection with outdoor products. That is why we launched our outdoor range and now our products can dress not only restaurants, bars, offices and residences, but also their pool areas, gardens, patios, outdoor restaurants and so on, all with the same spirit,” explained Roberto García, area sales manager, Andreu World.

García cited unique design, innovation, quality and versatility as the key components of effective outdoor furniture. “Probably the best way to succeed with a new product is to make it attractive, practical, of good quality and original. We take all these matters very seriously, focusing on them from the design stage, carrying out tests for comfort and quality, and working on new materials,” García maintained.

“Our outdoor collection is the result of years of study of new materials, among which are Ecolingus, a FSC-certified wood which is extremely resistant to environmental aggressions, fungi and bacteria. We are also using ceramic and slate for the table tops,” he added.

Roche Bobois has also identified potential in the outdoor furniture sector, and recently launched Bel Air, its first ever outdoor collection. According to Nicolas Roche, director of the Les Contemporains and Les Voyages collections, and son of company founder, Francois Roche, creating an outdoor collection was a natural evolution for a company that is present in some 40 countries, with 240 stores. “The trend now is for people to do more things outdoors and to spend more and more time living in their gardens. Moreover, our outdoor collection can be used as indoor furniture as well,” said Roche.

Bel Air was designed by Belgrade-born designer and long-time Roche Bobois collaborator, Sacha Lakic. The extensive outdoor collection consists of sofa units, loveseats, chairs, bridges and pedestal tables, created in woven polyethylene fabric.

The pieces are adorned in Missoni Home fabric, combining browns, greens, yellows and blues to conjure up an essence of the Garden of Eden.

“Hand-woven, the fully recyclable synthetic fibres create soft and loose shapes, like a stretched skin over a frame. A very unique collection, Bel Air is an invitation to extend to the outdoors, the comfort you cherish inside,” Roche commented.

“The collection is natural, fluid, smooth, horizontal and melts into the landscape. It is modular, recyclable and light. The designs of Roche Bobois are elegant, quiet and accessible.”

Material gain

Recognising the growing importance of aesthetics in the outdoor space, Spanish outdoor furniture specialist, Kettal, has launched a new collection of outdoor rugs, designed by Patricia Urquiola.

Made of Chenilletex and protected by a layer of non-slip PVC, they are available in ‘Kernel’ red or brown, and ‘Paddock’ red or brown.

Also new from the company is Kettal Landscape, a collection of configurable day beds and pergolas.

The collection also features an armchair, as well as a dining table with a ceramic or matt glass tabletop, which includes a new integrated extension system. Kettal Landscape is made up of aluminium and the new Natte structured fabric, which creates volume and comfort.

Moving forward, manufacturers will continue to experiment with materials and textures, predicted David Sutherland, CEO and president of the US-headquartered Sutherland Furniture. “I think we will see terrific combinations of materials and designs leading the industry and those who are successful in that arena will lead the way.”

Established in 1994, as a collaboration between David Sutherland and the internationally-acclaimed furniture designer John Hutton, Sutherland Furniture pioneered tailored cushion deep-seating collections for the outdoors, and was also the first company to introduce fully-upholstered outdoor collections.

The company’s latest offering, the Great Lakes Collection, features a combination of aluminum and recycled HDPE lumber in a weathered grey colour and matte surface. “We call it Ecoplex. The materials are easily maintained and completely UV stable and stain resistant,” Sutherland said.

“The level of maintenance required coupled with the cool touch of the material in direct sunlight make it an ideal combination for the outdoor environment worldwide,” he continued.

EcoPlex contains 97% post-consumer recycled plastics by weight. Designed by Terry Hunziker, the product offers durability that is almost entirely maintenance free, with built-in resistance to moisture, fading, insects, splintering, warping and other environmental hazards.

With a host of new materials on the market, designers are spoilt for choice when it comes to outdoor furniture. “Limed teak is a trend that has become popular with the high-end market,” noted Eileen O’Connor, senior project manager, Indigo Living. “It is not an economical product as it is always custom-made and requires a lot of attention and work in the manufacture. However, the end result is remarkable and truly unique.”

Indigo Living, which has been involved in projects such as The Address, Dubai Marina, Four Seasons, Macau, Trader’s Hotel, Abu Dhabi, and Links Golf Club on Yas Island, works with clients and designers to create project-specific outdoor furniture.

The company also has standard ranges that are updated on a regular basis to reflect shifts in market trends – in terms of form, shape, or variances in weaves and colour.

While the company is able to work with a range of materials, having custom-manufactured furniture in everything from teak and rattan to metal and cane fibre, O’Connor reiterated the importance of selecting materials that are able to withstand the extreme climactic conditions of the region.

“The Middle East, because of its harsh climate, is generally geared towards the rattan finish. Timber suffers in the intense sun and needs constant attention – oiling, waxing and so on – if it is exposed. Metal is generally not recommended as it is too hot to touch.

“With rattan furniture, specify fibres with UV resistance,” O’Connor suggested. “Also, when specifying rattan, always check the thickness of the aluminium framework underneath. Only ever specify teak as an outdoor timber as it really is the only suitable material.

“Ultimately, you get what you pay for and if it seems too good to be true then this is usually the case. Cheap outdoor furniture is always available but does not last,” she warned.

CID meets Sacha Lakic, the designer behind Roche Bobois’ first outdoor collection

How did you first become involved with Roche Bobois?

I met François Roche in 1995, and my first project was the Onda bed. This was a kind of modern futon, playing with the metaphor of a ‘flying carpet’. I have a collaboration with Roche Bobois that results in more than ten new products a year.

What was your inspiration for Bel Air?

My inspiration is nature. I wanted every piece of the Bel Air collection to be perfectly integrated into the vegetal surrounding of terraces and swimming pools. At the same time, the design had to be elegant and timeless.

What are its defining characteristics?

I would define the design of the Bel Air collection as vegetal and organic, for harmonious integration with nature. Each piece of the collection is designed as if it were a product for indoor usage – with the same focus on the quality of the materials and ergonomics.

Is designing outdoor furniture different to designing indoor furniture?

The way of working is the same. The only difference is with the materials used, which are specific to outdoor usage.

What are the trends currently impacting outdoor furniture design?

The trend is towards designing furniture that looks like elegant sculptures, but is also functional and sustainable...this is the message of the Bel Air collection.