Outdoor furniture gains new edge

27 August 2009

Furniture company Laidir is polishing off the designs on an innovative range of outdoor furniture targeting the commercial retail sector. Designer Sean Dunthy confirmed the line would feature new materials and aesthetics at comparatively attainable price points.

Laidir"We're using a combination of Jarrah and Hi-Macs - a product distributed by Gunnersens that is used in upmarket kitchen bench tops. It contains about 60 % mineral content, is extremely durable and non-porous and creates a very contemporary look. There's nothing else out there in outdoor furniture that looks like the product we're producing."

The range, named Omaroo - meaning "beautiful view" in aboriginal language - will launch at the Australian International Furniture Fair from February 3 to 5 2010. It comprises two table and bench sets using Hi-Macs on top table and bench surfaces: one featuring a 2.4 metre by 1.1 metre panel table and matching benches; the other featuring a 1.8 metre x 1.1 metre slat table and matching benches.

Laidir"We traditionally specialise in high end custom built furniture, but these sets are designed to be more cost-effective," Dunthy added. The sets, which can be flat packed, will retail for around $5,000 or $6,000, compared to an average of $12,000 for the rest of the Laidir range.

The Omaroo range was in line with the philosophy behind Laidir (Gaelic for strong); to create timeless, unique furniture, Dunthy said. "Our furniture is extremely well made and designed to last. It's also environmentally friendly, with all timber components made from salvaged timber."

Laidir was winner of the 2008 Australian Furniture of the Year Awards - in the Excellence in Furniture using Australian Native Timber category, and of the 2008 Australian International Furniture Fair Gold Star Award for Design, Innovation and Marketability.

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