Head of design and product development for sp01.
Head of design and product development for sp01.
Collaborating with Italian design studio Metrica, furniture brand SP01 debuted its first collection in early 2016. Matt Lorrain explains that it’s integral to SP01 for its second collection, like the first, to be made in Italy.
What’s the vision for the new collection?
I wanted to create an outdoor collection because we spend so much of our time outdoors that it really is a second living space. It was important for me to keep it connected to the launch collection while still expressing its own character, so we decided to work on a wire-framed collection.
Who did you work with for the new collection?
I worked with Australian designer Tom Fereday. He designed the collection and worked with the Italian manufacturers and us to develop it. It felt right for us to work with an Australian designer for outdoor because our conditions are so harsh. It was a key consideration for the furniture to be fit for purpose and be long lasting. Tom has great experience working with Moooi, Marc Newson and other companies, so it felt like a great fit.
Do you have any favourites from the collection?
I really love the Jeanette chair for its low-lined silhouette. The design intention suggests a basket suspended from a sweeping curve. I like the Parisi table a lot, and can imagine using it indoors or outside. The wire-framed base has a lovely tapered waist and hairpin legs that remind you of modernist classics.
What should shoppers know about the construction and design?
Longevity outdoors was our key concern. The steel frames go through three protective treatments to guard against corrosion. It’s a technology used by automotive manufacturers for body panels. We’ve tested the product to approximately double the industry standard for car panels, more than any other outdoor furniture product I’m aware of. The seat cushions are waterproof and have a special treatment that makes them resistant to UV, moisture, fire, mould and so on.
Any tips for shoppers who are considering an SP01 piece?
It’s always best to see the product in the flesh. The details and the quality become apparent. Material details such as the Accoya timber tops are very interesting. The manufacturer structurally guarantees the timber for 50 years of exterior use. Even very fine details such as the sand-textured finish on the powder coat reassures you to the touch that it is high quality. It’s one of the wonderful things about manufacturing in Italy. There remains a real commitment to quality, and working to resolve technical and design issues to bring to market a truly great product.
THE SP01 OUTDOOR COLLECTION IS AVAILABLE AT SPACE FURNITURE. VISIT WWW.SPACEFURNITURE.COM.SG TO VIEW MORE DESIGNS.
PHOTOS SPACE FURNITURE / JASON BUSCH.
