The research never stops at Cassina, to explore new décor solutions capable of blurring the boundaries between indoors and outdoors. The brand’s Outdoor Collection continues to grow, designed in the spirit of the philosophy “The Cassina Perspective” which combines the most innovative products with the great signature classics – further proof of the company’s ability to nonchalantly cross over temporal and not only spatial boundaries to generate eclectic design expressions. In the setting of Maison&Objet in the City, Cassina previewed original tableaux with a focus on life in the open air, cultural landscapes to facilitate interaction with nature through harmonious, comfortable, functional and versatile spaces. From informal dining to socializing by the pool, these products have been specifically developed for outdoor use, combining durability, good looks and comfort.
Esosoft Outdoor system by Antonio Citterio – Cassina Outdoor collection
A lively added twist is provided by the new fabrics, inspired by the Mediterranean in a range of vibrant tones – the crystalline blue of the sea, the natural hues of a shady garden, the warmth of terracotta during a sunset in Tuscany.
A symbol of stylistic continuity through the various spaces of the home is precisely the Esosoft sofa designed by Antonio Citterio for indoor use, which now becomes a complete system for outdoor living, featuring a sofa and a terminal part for two or three persons, a love seat, an armchair and small tables. The original comfort and forms have been conserved, along with the fascinating material and visual contrast. The emblematic exoskeleton of the base, in fact, returns as the protagonist and takes on four warm, novel hues: ivory, mud, green and terracotta.
Esosoft Outdoor system by Antonio Citterio – Cassina Outdoor collection
he metal structure is attached to a shell made in handwoven fiber, similar to the natural material, in a reminder of wicker basketry: this part is made with an elaborate weave that produces an immediate sensation of craftsmanship, while at the same time guaranteeing high levels of durability and resistance to scratching, heat and UV rays, and facilitating cleaning operations. The soft cushions augment the enveloping sensation, enhanced by a border in gros-grain, in contrast or ton sur ton. The padding is made with circular materials, like the polyurethane with a percentage of polyols of organic origin, and the recycled PET wadding.
Trampoline Table e Trampoline Chair di Patricia Urquiola – Cassina Outdoor collection
Patricia Urquiola, on the other hand, has expanded the Trampoline collection: first formulated as a seating system for lounge spaces and outdoor relaxation, it now includes two new models for dining, a table and a chair, with the same playfully rounded spirit. A stage for socializing par excellence, the Trampoline Table stands out for its modern architectural aesthetic, like a balanced interlock of geometric shapes. The structure in coated aluminium and available in four colors – ivory, mud, terracotta and green – is bordered by two lateral sections that reinterpret the image of a stone portal.
The table can be matched with the Trampoline Chair, reprising its architectural appeal and available in two models: one has handwoven polypropylene cording around aluminium tubing for the back; the other features the essential charm of a visible metal structure.
The indispensable reference to design history that completes the outdoor landscape by Cassina is the magnificent Utrecht by Gerrit Thomas Rietveld, revised for the first time by using materials and coverings developed for spaces en plein air. The result is the Utrecht XL Outdoor: the inimitable game of symmetry of the original model, linking back to the De Stijl movement, returns here in with a larger seat, with soft padding in recycled PET wadding, protected by a water-repellent canvas that wraps the metal internal structure and the armrests in okoume wood.
armchair Utrecht XL Outdoor di Gerrit T. Rietveld– Cassina Outdoor collection
The armchair-icon has been further enhanced by its initial fabrics: based on Mediterranean landscapes, the coverings rely on the warm, evocative notes of terracotta, relaxing nuances of green and intense shadings of turquoise. The piece is also available in a version with Favignana fabric, where floral motifs made with jacquard weaving create a true visual concert.
Photo © Francesco Dolfo