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CLASSIQUE LEISURE PRODUCTS
Editorial Item
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LOOM chair by Franco Poli wins designEX Product Design Award
Thursday 21st June 2007
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LOOM chair Design: Franco Poli
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| T.NET Design: Franco Poli |
The new way of presenting coach-hide leather, has been received with critical acclaim by the
design industry both in Europe and Australia recently.
Franco Poli’s project with Matteograssi has taken 3-Years of thorough scientific research to
develop and the results for pushing the boundaries of furniture design have been extraordinary.
A laser-guided, high-frequency machine is used to accurately cut the expansion slits at the
correct locations and angles into a thick sheet of coach-hide leather. This in turn, creates a new
contoured surface that resembles a net. Now for the first time, leather can be shaped into a
three-dimensional recessed area, to have the ergonomic and ventilation properties that would
normally be associated with fabrics. The net of coach-hide can adapt to the shape of the
human body with controlled elasticity and provide visual transparency.
In fact, this net can hold 350 kilograms without stretching and not surprisingly, there is a global
patent on the cutting technology used to create the coach-hide net in this design project.
The first result of Franco Poli’s project was the creation of the LOOM Chair. First released to
Australia during February 2007, LOOM is a reading or lounge chair, that is timeless in style and a
true masterpiece of design with its unique, perfect form. It is available in either a highback or
lowback version, with or without an ottoman and detachable head-rest cushion.
During April 2007, at the designEX / Form & Function Trade Show - the largest design and
architectural trade event in the Southern Hemisphere, LOOM was voted Winner of the Product
Design Awards for Furniture. During this very same month Contemporary Home Design Magazine
chose to display LOOM on the front cover of the April edition.
According to the award-winning designer, Franco Poli :
“…it became clear with the first prototype, that LOOM was well suited to the body at rest. It
could provide regular, elastic support even for unconventional or extremely relaxed positions. It’s
hard to imagine something similar to a hammock being as comfortable as a chaise-lounge.
The technical-aesthetic texture of the coach hide net used in making LOOM remains inside a
continuous frame that is fixed to a stainless steel frame by using special adhesive glues. This
solution puts together the two materials in a unique way, while emphasising the elaborate design
of an apparently simple project.”
Recently, prominent members of Australia’s design community were asked for their comment as
testimonials of this iconic design.
“The LOOM Chair designed by Franco Poli for Matteograssi, is a technical and aesthetic masterpiece.
Marrying the timeless appeal of leather with ergonomic design and sophisticated styling, the Loom chair is
comfortable in even the most relaxed positions. With a net of coach-hide that can withstand 350 kilograms
of weight without stretching, the Loom chair, with each piece hand-signed by the leather saddler, is bound
to take its place among the future classics.”
Kate St James, MDIA
Interior designer and Managing Editor of Contemporary Home Design & Luxury Home Design magazines.
“There is an infinite sense that we are seeing a new classic. The LOOM Chair has purity of line, balance and fine proportion, without compromising comfort. I love the juxtaposition of textures.”
Meryl Hare Director & Interior Designer - Hare + Klein Interior Design – Sydney.
“The design of the LOOM Chair has a striking appeal in its style with a good mix of material composition.
Futuristic, yet practical. Great application for modern 6-star resorts and the high-end luxury residential
market. I have no hesitation to specify this chair for the right projects.”
Elizabeth Tam Interior Design Consultant for Woodhead International Architects – Sydney office.
The next stages of Franco Poli’s patented “coach-hide net” project involved the introduction of the freestanding shade accessories called LOOMY and the ceiling to floor, shade-screen / room divider called T.NET.
While designEX was taking place during April, the Salone del Mobile in Milan was underway. With a
reputation as being a leading brand at this globally renowned furniture fair, Matteograssi hosted
the worldwide launch of ARETÈ dining and lounge chairs, as the next design stage of this project.
ARETÈ features a continuous, chrome-plated polished stainless steel frame, bridging the front of the
seat with the top of the backrest. The same net pattern used for LOOMY and T.NET is fastened into
the seat and framework without the stitching of seams required. This unique fastening capability
provides great support with cushioning all at the same time.
ARETÈ has more of a multi-purpose practicality than the LOOM chair; yet it maintains the elegance
and form, true to a prestige icon in furniture design.
A wide range of the Matteograssi masterpieces will be on display during the Official Launch of the
brand in Australia during the Saturday In Design Trade Event at Sydney’s Art Gallery of NSW.
Where:
ART GALLERY of NSW - Function Room (entrance level). www.agnsw.com.au
The Domain. SYDNEY. NSW.
Parking in the underground Domain Carpark opposite.
When:
Fri. 27th JULY, 2007 (by appointment)
Sat. 28th JULY, 2007 (bus tour of participating showrooms)
Register:
online at : www.saturdayindesign.com.au , email: dave@classique.net.au
OR call (02) 4372 1672 for further information.
Further display:
at Classique Leisure National Headquarters or at authorised stockists of Matteograssi in Australia, soon to be advised.
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Source: Selector.com. - Thursday 21st June 2007
Information correct at the time of publication. If you are interested in this product please use the following links.
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