Marcel Wanders studio’s ‘Maui’ takes cues from tropical landscapes

Inspired by the landscapes usually observed in tropical regions, Marcel Wanders studio recently designed the Maui Collection for Australian lifestyle brand Harbour. Posing as an ode to nature and a celebration of the organic shapes commonly found in the environment, the tables, sofas and chairs in this braid and rope furniture design collection carry unique rope patterns. "These pieces for Harbour are a beautiful expression of craftsmanship, enhancing an outdoor experience connected to nature," says Gabriele Chiave, creative director of product design and interior design studio Marcel Wanders studio.

Each item in the collection is hand-crafted and thus unique and distinct from the other. The slight imperfections in the weave of the furniture pieces help them fit in effortlessly with the surrounding environment. The furniture designers have crafted them to endure extreme weather conditions, and can thus be arranged without too much thought in outdoor spaces.

A distinctive radial pattern, made using hemp ropes, is used in the seating of the Maui Collection. It frames the pieces like a halo while also providing a comfortable spot to lounge and relax. The solid travertine tables, on the other hand, balance out the lightness of the chairs, resulting in an equalised series of products. While the usage of natural materials such as hemp and travertine by the product designers add a natural touch to these utilitarian props, its soft corners and undulating geometries give them a chic look.

“We’re excited to partner with Marcel Wanders studio to bring these unique designs to our outdoor range,” shares Nicholas Condos, founder and chief creative officer of Harbour. “We love their concept of embellishing simple forms with handcrafted rope to create an organic and striking collection. It’s a vibrant addition to our collection and a design which will resonate globally,” he adds. Harbour, an Australia based lifestyle and furniture brand has been designing and manufacturing furniture products for the past 40 years. The international company has showrooms spread across the US, Australia and Hong Kong. Dedicated especially to crafting durable goods that can withstand both time and weather, the brand often collaborates with renowned designers to create dynamic designs.

Maui comprises eight products, namely the Maui Oval Dining Table, Maui Round Side Table, Maui Round Coffee Table, Maui Daybed, Maui 3 Seat Sofa, Maui Lounge Chair, Maui Sun Lounge and Maui High-Back Dining Chair. While the sturdy dining table can seat ten people at once, the coffee table and side table can sit perfectly in outdoor settings. Built on an aluminium structure, all the tables are extremely stable and can stand unaffected in the extremest weather conditions. Maui daybeds are fun items designed to rest and relax. Its organic shape and hippy rope weave give it a bohemian look, immediately amplifying their presence in any space. The sofa design and chair design by Marcel Wanders studio are a more serious and subtle iteration of the daybed. Inspired by the form of wide-brimmed straw hats used in beaches, the three seater sofa and the lounge chair are breezy and versatile seatings perfect for both casual and semi-formal locations. The Maui Sun Lounge, slightly more rectilinear than its counterparts, is adjustable and has a soft and light touch.