Although the northern hemisphere is still in the midst of winter, the creative minds at Danish brand Muuto are already thinking ahead to warmer months with the launch of the brand’s first ever outdoor collection. Called the Linear Steel Series, the clean-lined table and chair set is a contemporary take on the picnic bench dreamed up by Copenhagen-based designer Thomas Bentzen, who has a longstanding relationship with the brand.
True to Muuto’s design philosophy, the Linear Steel Series is both honest and functional in its approach. As the name suggests, the set is made from lacquered welded steel yet possesses a lightweight appearance. Its powder coated weather-resistant matt finish comes in four colours including black, off-white, dark green and burnt orange. The table top is hot-dip galvanised while the legs are treated with aluzinc – an aluminium and zinc alloy that makes them suitable for outdoor use.
The Linear Steel Series in dark green and burnt orange
When creating the set, Bentzen was inspired by the concept of meetings, which is demonstrated in the series’ subtle detailing, such as the half-circular intersecting legs, folded edges and small spacing for easy outflow of water.
‘The Linear Steel Series was designed from the idea of presenting durable materials in a sophisticated and understated expression for outdoor use,’ explains Bentzen. ‘Its form language is inspired by the notion of meetings – the meetings of lines, the meetings of shapes and the meetings of materials.’
‘The design is defined by straight lines for a contemporary yet timeless aesthetic through the details of folded edges, half-circular intersecting legs and small spacing for easy outflow of water. It is through these subtle elements that the Linear Steel Series translates the values of elegance, longevity and functionality into modern outdoor furniture.’
The Linear Steel bench in dark green
The Linear Steel Series is the latest in a recent spate of launches from the 12-year-old Danish brand since it was bought by US company Knoll in 2017, who wanted to double the company’s business within five years. Over 15 new products were launched in 2018 and around the same number of designs are expected to be added to its portfolio in 2019.
‘We’ve spent a lot of energy in completing our indoor collection and also bringing new designs to the contract market,’ reflects Muuto design director Christian Grosen. ‘The outdoor category is a brand-new one for us and we wanted to ensure our design would bring something new to the market in terms of its design, functionality and quality and we believe that this has been achieved with the Linear Steel Series.’
Making its debut at this month’s IMM Cologne fair, the Linear Steel Series currently includes two sizes of table and bench, and we’re told that a number of accessories and a chair are currently on the drawing board. §
