MR01 Initial OUTDOOR Lounge armchair natural wood wood & cord / Iroko - Gubi

Combining Iroko wood and polyester cord, this OUTDOOR version of the MR01 Initial lounge chair is specially designed for outdoor use. Iroko is a naturally hard, oil-rich wood that’s very durable and resilient and is frequently used for boat decks and outdoor decking. The beauty of iroko lies in its wide spectrum of colours - from a light brown similar to oak to a much darker shade, closer to teak. Over time, iroko wood gains a beautiful patina, taking on a coppery tone. The high-performance polyester cord is waterproof, UV- and mildew-resistant, making the chair perfect for the poolside. The cord has a deformation-resistant core. It can also be replaced or rewoven, if that proves necessary over time. Originally, the young Danish designer and cabinetmaker, Mathias Rasmussen, designed this low armchair for his own home. He wanted a lounge armchair that he could use to relax and meditate. Both familiar and yet remarkably modern, the MR01 Initial armchair combines traditional craftsmanship and originality in a simple and very understandable form. Jacob Gubi, Creative Director of GUBI: "In many ways, it appears you have already seen this chair, but it’s an evolving interpretation and a development of Danish furniture traditions". The MR01 Initial armchair combines a solid frame in FSC-certified oiled Iroko solid wood with a soft, comfortable seat made of polyester cord. The seat and backrest are hand-woven from 90 metres of cord, in accordance with a method developed specially by the designer himself to lock the cord in the frame. The addition of cord is characteristic of Rasmussen, who often combines organic materials that complement the wood, creating an aesthetic dialogue between the two. This openwork cord seat gives the armchair transparency and lightness, both literally and visually. The careful ergonomic design of the armchair allows for different seating positions: from crossed legs to legs extended forward, left or right. This piece of furniture is the result of Rasmussen's profound understanding of the characteristics and potential of wood. Just like the great Danish masters who came before him, Rasmussen thinks with his hands: to develop the MR01 Initial armchair, he drew and created a variety of sketches and prototypes. The open wooden frame with its triangular profile is built without a single screw, thanks to ancient cabinetmaking techniques. The seat sticks out at the back to form the legs and serve as a support to the backrest. Four of the five crossbars which make up the armchair are identical, which simplifies construction and reduces waste. The slight low tilt is designed to give the user the impression of floating, while still feeling connected to the ground, encouraging a contemplative, calm feeling. Mathias Rasmussen: "The MR01 Initial armchair comes from a simple construction, optimised for production and designed to last as long as the materials themselves allow. It’s an honest armchair in its construction, versatile and easy to understand. Because the cord gives the seat and backrest a certain transparency, the armchair is so light that it almost looks like its floating." This collaboration - the first between GUBI and Rasmussen - highlights GUBI's commitment to support budding creators and invest in craft skills that are both established and innovative, as well as its commitment to the start of what promises to be a long and fruitful partnership.