When we think of outdoor furniture, practicality often comes before comfort: we picture light, airy chairs and matching tables made of steel or wood, in either organic or bright colours, with little or no textiles and cushions. Here comes young German designer Sebastian Herkner, to challenge our function-driven ideas about furniture for our terraces. Upon recognising that spending time outside should be all about comfort and relaxation, he created the coziest lounging chair you have probably ever seen. Created for outdoor furniture giant Dedon, with the Mbrace seating line Herkner intended to introduce a more Nordic-inspired design language into the German manufacturer’s collection.



For the first time, he married the company’s fibre seating with a solid teak base for an extraordinary lounging experience. The Mbrace collection includes three different seating options; a wingback, a lounger, and a rocker, with an additional-optional footstool, and as the telling name suggests each variation oozes comfort and warmth with the wide backs, deep seats, and extensive cushioning.



The name also takes a subtle reference to the material and technique used: the seat was made with a special open, mesh-like, triaxial wave of three different fibres. These do not only demonstrate differences in profile but in colouring as well, leading to a subtly vibrating overall look. The colour combinations were carefully composed by internationally renowned colourist Giulio Ridulfo; the final Spice, Pepper, and Atlantic options take the user to faraway lands, contributing to the overall relaxation experience. The Mbrace collection was recently awarded the Best Iconic Award 2016 in the Interior Innovation category, and the line is on debut display at IMM Cologne.







Source: Designboom