Seamless transitions

Andreu World has launched an outdoor furniture line.
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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.

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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.