Dezeen Magazine

Lapala chair by Lievore Altherr Molina for Expormim

Outdoor seating from Expormim features on Dezeen Showroom

Spanish furniture brand Expormim is showcasing collections of outdoor seating designed to blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor furniture on Dezeen Showroom.

Lapala is a stackable handwoven chair originally designed by Spanish studio Lievore Altherr Molina in 1998 for indoor use.

Reissued in 2014 by Expormim, the chair has been updated for outdoor use through the replacement of its original wicker construction with weather-resistant nautical rope.

Top image: Expormim presents its catalogue of outdoor furniture for 2021. Above: Lapala has been reimagined for outdoor use
Top image: Expormim presents its catalogue of outdoor furniture for 2021. Above: Lapala has been reimagined for outdoor use

The chair is composed of a lacquered stainless steel frame that is wrapped in polyester rope, which has been chosen for its durability and resistance to adverse weather conditions.

Its lightweight frame allows for the chair to be easily transported into various settings, including domestic and outdoor environments such as patios and cosy terraces.

The seat and backrest are handwoven with a tightly braided weather-resistant nautical rope
The seat and backrest are handwoven with a tightly braided weather-resistant nautical rope

The polyester rope has been handwoven into a tight plait to form the seat and backrest by expert craftspeople in the Spanish town of Moixent. The rope comes in 10 different hues, while the frame is available in seven different finishes.

The family of chairs is available as dining chairs, armchairs or stools.

Stainless steel and polyester rope have been chosen for their ability to withstand the elements year-round
Stainless steel and polyester rope have been chosen for their ability to withstand the elements year-round

Alongside Lapala is a low armchair called Liz, which was designed by husband-and-wife duo Ludovica Serafini and Roberto Palomba and named after film star Elizabeth Taylor due to its curved shape.

Despite its appearance as an archetypal indoor chair, Liz is made to stay outdoors year-round. The frame of the chair is made entirely from recycled aluminium, which allows it to withstand the elements.

The Liz armchair has been named after film star Elizabeth Taylor for its curved shape
The Liz armchair has been named after film star Elizabeth Taylor for its curved shape

A large plush cushion sits atop the frame to form the seat with a loose cushion for back support.

These can be upholstered in various technical fabrics from Sunbrella or Batyline and come in an array of colours including orange, red, taupe, brown, green and navy.

The armchair is made entirely from recycled aluminium and is upholstered in technical fabrics from Sunbrella and Batyline
The armchair is made entirely from recycled aluminium and is upholstered in technical fabrics from Sunbrella and Batyline

Established in 1960, Expormim is a furniture brand that specialises in furniture made from rattan using artisanal wicker craftsmanship. The company produces both indoor and outdoor products, including chairs, sofas, tables, storage and accessories.

The brand regularly collaborates closely with leading designers, including Jaime Hayon, design studio MUT Design and architect Oscar Tusquets Blanca.

Other collections featured on Dezeen Showroom from Expormim include the Altet dining chair, the rattan Huma armchair by Mario Ruiz and the Frames seating range by Jaime Hayon, which was awarded the Green Good Design Award in the product and graphic design category.


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More images

Liz armchair by Ludovica Serafini and Roberto Palomba for Expormim
Liz armchair by Ludovica Serafini and Roberto Palomba for Expormim
Lapala chair by Lievore Altherr Molina for Expormim
Lapala chair by Lievore Altherr Molina for Expormim
Lapala chair by Lievore Altherr Molina for Expormim
Lapala chair by Lievore Altherr Molina for Expormim