Tailored Al Fresco

Durability, cost and aesthetics must balance out when it comes to outdoor furniture design.

- Rashmi Naicker

Hospitality industry tends to imbibe global furnishing trends. Besides the usual indoor furnishings, designers and hotel owners believe in utilising outdoor spaces to perk up the design quotient. By building up the connections between the landscape and the nature around, outdoor spaces can be made to be equally inviting and fashionable as interiors. This not only offers a sorted experience to the guests, but also adds to the healthy image of a property.

The growing trend of outdoor living calls for more versatile, comfortable and durable furniture that caters to all age groups. After analysing the location and its climatic conditions, material specification is the key to a successful outdoor set up. In addition to determining the durability and comfort, materials decide the utility of the furniture too.

The chosen material should always be easy to maintain and sustain. Cast aluminium, resin wicker, teak wood, wrought iron, FRP (fibre reinforced plastic) are commonly used outdoor materials for furniture. The intended quality should be responsive to impact, fatigue, corrosion, rusting, abrasion, combustibility, sunlight, moisture, and salinity. Not compromising on quality and safety, exterior furniture should be cohesive to the design theme and add to the overall visual appeal too.

Hyatt Place Goa, Candolim, features three outdoor spaces – a courtyard seating with water bodies, couches and swings; a pool area with sun beds, a bar and an entertainment area; and an open space for events and parties. As a holiday destination, the hotel exploits its open spaces and offers functional zones that are flexible, have natural light and reflect the essence of the destination for both business and holiday travellers.