STYLE ICON
Originally designed by Henry Glass and introduced by Brown Jordan in 1979, the collapsible Cricket Chair has been widely recognized and copied. This year, Brown Jordan is re-releasing this iconic chair, with its triangular base and form-fitting canvas seat, as part of the Cricket II collection of folding tables and chairs. brownjordan.com
PERFECT PUZZLE
The ergonomic Puzzle EM7 collection from Ego Paris brings a touch of whimsy to the outdoors. The nine-piece collection includes four easy chairs, two loungers, two coffee tables and an occasional table—some or all of which fit together to create a puzzle when not in use. Made from open cellular foam in an outdoor acrylic fabric with a lacquered aluminum base, each piece is available in a range of colors and finishes. egoparis.com
SUSPENDED IN AIR
German outdoor furniture company Dedon often tests its creations on Dedon Island, a Phillippine resort owned by the company’s founder. There, the resort’s architect and Dedon furniture designer Daniel Pouzet was inspired by the villas’ high ceilings to create Dedon’s Swingrest. With a basket-like bottom, rotating tabletop and long suspension cords, this comfortable perch swings from the highest tree. Available in a natural weave with an optional fabric cover that offers privacy and shade. dedon.de
SITTING PRETTY
The Kocoon Collection for Sifas features a stainless-steel base and acrylic, sponge-like fabric that is water- and UV-resistant. The collection includes a loveseat with or without a canopy, dining chair, lounger, ottoman, coffee table and end tables. Kocoon is offered in white, taupe and floral. sifasusa.com
HOT SEAT
Enjoy al fresco evenings even after the temperature begins to drop with the Heated Lounger from Bradford Products. These custom-tiled lounge seats feature an internal radiating heat system. An ergonomic form provides a comfortable seat, while LED accent lighting and audio connectivity are also available. bradfordproducts.com
MODERN MASTERPIECE
The look of Techo-Bloc’s matte-finished Travertina line of paving stones harkens back to the honed travertine limestone found in the great masterpieces of Italian architecture. Made from concrete, the slabs are available in a range of sizes, and come in Ivory, Rock Garden Brown and Riviera. techo-bloc.com
LUXURY AFLOAT
First developed for beach resorts, SeaDuction Floats are now available for residential use. These floating cabanas include shade options and cooler and dry storage. The floats are designed for stability; made from sun- and sand-resistant polymers, they are usable on both water and land. seaductionfloats.com
FASHION FORWARD
Designer Ana Llobet created the ergonomic Textile seating collection for GANDIABLASCO by applying techniques used in textile manufacture to the process of furniture design: The joints of each chair are “sewn” together to mimic clothing seams. Made of recyclable polyethylene and powder-coated, galvanized iron. The braided rope that forms the “thread” is high-tenacity polyester. gandiablasco.com
FURNITURE AS ART
Designer James De Wulf fashions furniture out of concrete, creating sculptural pieces that complement any style. Pictured here, the Concrete Bar Cart on wheels is perfect for outdoor use. The top is made from ultra-thin concrete reinforced with carbon fiber. The glossy finish requires no maintenance; gravity joints lock the bottom shelf and top to the angled base. jamesdewulf.com
MADE IN THE SHADE
Walpole Outdoors, a manufacturer and distributor of architectural landscape products and structures, introduces its new selection of pergola kits. Though they look like painted wood, Walpole’s cellular PVC pergolas maintain their appearance season after season without peeling, rotting or splitting. Available with or without a motorized, retractable shade. walpolewoodworkers.com
THE LOOK OF WOOD
The flooring series Crate by StonePeak Ceramics offers the look of reclaimed wood with the durability of glazed porcelain. Intended for indoor or outdoor use, the six- by-24- or eight-by-48-inch tile planks come in Colonial White, Charred Bark (pictured) or Weathered Board. Available through Best Tile. besttile.com; stonepeakceramics.com
LIGHT MY FIRE
Stone Forest’s hand-carved iron-and-granite Suspended Fire Vessel will add character to any outdoor living space. The basin is made of iron, which develops a rust patina with time and use. The supports on either side are thick, natural granite boulder halves. The fire vessel is intended for use with wood. stoneforest.com
ABOVE THE CURVE
Philippe Nigro’s Passio is a new seating collection for Ligne Roset characterized by a spare frame of curved, tubular steel and thick, comfortable cushions. The collection is intended for both indoor and outdoor use and includes a settee and chairs in a range of sizes. The cushion fabrics for outdoor use are washable, sun-resistant and waterproof. ligneroset-dc.com
PERFECT PAVERS
Belgard Hardscapes’ smooth concrete Lafitt Patio Slab pavers come in three differently sized modular pieces that interlock. The slabs are large in scale so as to provide increased area coverage with fewer pieces; the larger slabs give smaller spaces a larger appearance. belgard.biz
Marta Hansen, AIA, LEED AP, principal of Annapolis-based Hansen Architects, has designed upwards of 400 houses during her long career. Her style is completely hands-on; she not only executes design work, she also addresses permitting and site issues, critical area laws and structural engineering—all with only an intern to assist her. She doesn’t delegate because, as she says, “I don’t want to miss any opportunities for each project to reach its potential.”
