Salone del Mobile.Milano 2024: outdoor furnishings combine research, experimentation and innovation
Kettal, Insula design by Patricia Urquiola
Organic and comfortable forms, natural colors, innovative materials and sustainability are leitmotifs of the products exhibited by Italian and international manufacturers of outdoor furniture, who presented their novelties at the 62nd edition
The evolution which sees the outdoor sector increasingly absorbing the formal qualities of interior furnishings has already been well advanced for some years. A notable feature of it is the results of research into materials, which are becoming increasingly functional, innovative and sustainable.
The Luna collection, designed by Ramón Esteve for Vondom, is 100% natural and recyclable, and its forms are a tribute to Verner Panton and Joe Colombo. Inspired by their boldness and innovation, Esteve designed a polyethylene collection, characterized by soft shapes, organic curves and warm colors.
Generous dimensions and full volumes for Buddy Oasi by Busetti Garuti Redaelli for Pedrali. This system of sofas and poufs expands the Buddy upholstered furniture collection. The distinctive feature of Buddy Oasi is the movable backrests in polyurethane foam with a soft and elongated shape, which can be easily and freely positioned on the pouf, so making it possible to create different configurations to suit personal needs. The lining is fully waterproof and the upholstery made of removable outdoor fabric.
Arena, designed by Søren Rose for Gandia Blasco, harks back to traditional wicker furniture and the craft of basketry. In Mediterranean style with an organic form characterized by broad bentwood slats, it also alludes to the veneered wood workmanship typical of Scandinavian design. The structure is in welded thermo-lacquered aluminum, the padding is in reusable polyurethane foam rubber and polyester fiber with water-repellent fabric and the technical upholstery is removable. Laser cut, the slats undergo a bending process in two different machines, and are then welded singly to the upper and lower rings, giving the structure its final organic touch.
Traditional overtones also appear in the Insula modular sofa by Patricia Urquiola for Kettal. Its organic elegance revisits the traditional seating found in Arab majlis, where members of the community gather to discuss local events and issues, or receive and entertain guests and friends. It is configured as a low modular sofa with soft forms that, thanks to the numerous configurations, is suitable for different functions both indoors and out.
Vondom, Luna, design by Ramón Esteve
Pedrali - Ph. Ottavio Tomasini
Gandia Blasco, Arena, design by Søren Rose
Queeboo, Nami design by Stefano Giovannoni
Magis, In-Side, design by Thomas Heatherwick
Gervasoni, Kasane, design by Nendo
Royal Botania, Conix
Valentini, Criss Cross, design by Gian Paolo Venier – Studio Otto
Atelier Vierkant - Ph. Andrea Mariani
Point - Ph. Ruggiero Scardigno
Generous rounded forms in Nami by Stefano Giovannoni for Qeeboo, a line characterized by a concentric wave pattern, consisting of a coffee table, vase, armchair and sofa. Made from recyclable polyethylene, the collection comes in six colors: Dove Grey, Terracotta and Indian Red, as well as Stone White Mix, Warm Grey Mix and Sage Green Mix, three blended shades obtained by recycling and mingling materials in different tones and colors.
Innovation, technology and experimentation for In-Side, the new Magis outdoor collection designed by Thomas Heatherwick that uses roto-molding production technology to enhance the material, a mixture of partly recycled post-consumer polyethylene combined with post-industrial recycled polyethylene in multicolored flakes. The collection comprises an armchair, sofa and coffee table.
The Kasane collection of tables and poufs from Gervasoni, designed by Nendo, is expanded with new sizes for the tables and two new finishes, Giada and Pietra. Meaning “overlapping” in Japanese, Kasane grew out of an interplay of interlocking forms and is inspired by the way the cups, stacked one by one, gradually grow taller. The table bases and pouf are made of expanded polymer, while the tops are in marine plywood. All the items in the collection are coated with a thin layer of clay and finished with matt stain-resistant treatment.
Royal Botania’s Conix table collection in “Desert Concrete” is inspired by the colorways of the desert. Its earthy palette and crystalline finish on the tops increase its hardness. The Ostrea collection of chairs (in the photo, beside the table) has a low version for dining spaces and a counter-height variant.
From Valentini, the Criss Cross armchair, designed by Gian Paolo Venier – Studio Otto, is notable for its interweaving of geometric lines and reinterprets the concept of classic luxury, combining traditional forms with innovative fabrics. The jacquard fabric is made with yarns woven on a special loom, drawing on the ancient craft tradition. In addition, thanks to its being “badly cut”, in whichever way the fabric is worked, the same colorful pattern emerges.
Designed and manufactured in the Clay Laboratories in Belgium, the Mira vase by Atelier Vierkant is an imperfect circle with a rough texture. The large Taalo vase stands out by its upper edge and irregular curves. The undulating surface of the planter body is accented by extra color blends in burgundy red and dark green.
The Fup pouf set by Francesc Rife for Point has a padded body that contrasts with the high-quality teakwood base, sourced from sustainably managed forests. Functional and versatile, it comes in two sizes and in different colors and upholstery fabrics.
