PRODUCT PROFILE
T
he outdoor hospitality scene is changing. As hotels increasingly brand themselves as unique guest experiences,
exterior public areas can no longer afford to be treated as an afterthought – being approached instead as a continuation of the project’s overall design concept. Whether offering more space, serving as a restaurant or simply exploiting a particularly stunning location, outdoor areas offer increasingly varied opportunities to add a further element to a hotel experience. Naturally, the range of furnishing and design options for such spaces has increased accordingly, with designers embracing the concept of outdoor accessories including everything from lighting and shades to rugs and furniture. “Outdoor spaces are more important each
day,” says José A. Gandía-Blasco, President and Art Director of Gandia Blasco. “They always need more innovation, good design, and to create very stylish atmospheres.” It is a sentiment shared by Roberto Barbazza, Sales and Marketing Manager at B&B Italia Contract Division. “Public areas have to have a ‘wow’ factor,” he explains. “Guests want the lobby and the spa to be spectacular, and outdoor terraces and pool areas have to be much more design-led than before.
“Outdoor areas have exactly the same meaning as other areas these days... there is a necessity to harmonise the building with the design of both the interiors and the outdoor spaces,” he continues. According to Alex Alorda, Vice President of Kettal, good business sense is the main driving force behind the changing attitude to outdoor landscapes. He says: “Hoteliers are starting to understand the outdoor area as an important source of income – from poolside daybed rental, private pergolas, pergolas for outdoor massages, to sofa areas which, when well defined, entice clients to stay in the hotel.” Sleeper’s panel of experts predicts a trend
Pic: Courtesy of Kettal
towards simplistic outdoor furniture design in 2013, with contemporary, modern styles featuring natural materials such as teak, stone and wood leading the way. “The latest contemporary outdoor furniture designs are light and clean, with nothing ornate,” says Alorda, while Gandía-Blasco anticipates a continued appetite for a “fresh, cool style”. Yet unfussy designs do not necessarily mean simple design processes, and as the industry focuses its attention on sustainability, research and development – particularly regarding materials – continues to be a priority. According to Gandía-Blasco, the desire for durable and sustainable products has seen a rise in the use of recyclable materials such as aluminium or polyethylene. Kettal uses recyclable furniture paint, whilst B&B Italia continues to test new eco-friendly materials for use in its designs. “Sustainability is an important factor in outdoor furniture design,” says Barbazza. “Furniture has to last under the sun, and we have to be able to guarantee sustainability and durability at the same time. It is an ongoing process.” Certainly, safety and durability are key factors when considering outdoor furniture.
“Outdoor areas have exactly the same meaning as other areas these days... There is a necessity to harmonise the building with the design of both the interiors and the outdoor spaces.”
Roberto Barbazza, B&B Italia
In addition to being able to withstand all the usual wear-and-tear suffered by furniture in high-traffic public areas, outdoor pieces need to be weatherproof, colourfast and long lasting. Resistance to moisture, rusting, corrosion and salinity all have to be tested vigorously, says Alorda. “In this sector, ideally furniture requires minimum maintenance,” he says. “Textiles for furniture, particularly outdoor furniture, are extremely important, even more so if they are used in high-traffic public areas. We work with the finest quality fabrics and removable covers, which are washable and, in some cases, stain resistant.” The secret to successful outdoor furniture
ventures seems to be striking the balance between style and durability without compromising on design. As Gandía- Blasco says: “All of these factors are very important, but the most is to be very cool, stylish, and inspire a perfect ambience.”
Turn the page for the latest product launches from outdoor furniture suppliers.
WWW.SLEEPERMAGAZINE.COM MARCH / APRIL 2013 137
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