A first look at Kvadrat’s first outdoor textile, Patio

last updated 7 September 2022

From collaborations with fashion designers to the reuse of end-of-life fabrics, there is not much Danish brand Kvadrat have not explored in the world of textiles. Outdoor fabrics are a surprising first though, and Kvadrat have left no stone unturned, creating something that is innovative to the core.

Launching at IMM Cologne (14-20 January), Patio is designed by Copenhagen-based weaver Karina Nielsen Rios with a burst of three colours. Staying true to the brand’s environmentally-conscious ethos, Patio is built using specially-developed Trevira CS yarn with enhanced UV stability. ‘We spent over three years searching for an alternative to the conventional top coatings,’ says Lea Nordström, technical manager at Kvadrat of the dynamic fluorocarbon-free finish they achieved.

Material innovation doesn’t stand in the way of quality though, as Kvadrat manage to create a soft touch in the textile while still maintaining its outdoor requirements: water-repellent and fast-drying. Writer: Sujata Burman.

See more highlights of IMM Cologne here

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Rosa Bertoli was born in Udine, Italy, and now lives in London. Since 2014, she has been the Design Editor of Wallpaper*, where she oversees design content for the print and online editions, as well as special editorial projects. Through her role at Wallpaper*, she has written extensively about all areas of design. Rosa has been speaker and moderator for various design talks and conferences including London Craft Week, Maison & Objet, The Italian Cultural Institute (London), Clippings, Zaha Hadid Design, Kartell and Frieze Art Fair. Rosa has been on judging panels for the Chart Architecture Award, the Dutch Design Awards and the DesignGuild Marks. She has written for numerous English and Italian language publications, and worked as a content and communication consultant for fashion and design brands.

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