Sutherland Furniture® Introduces New Continuous Line Collection by SheltonMindel(SM)

Inspired by the organic modernist styles of architect and designer Alvar Aalto and furniture designer Gerald Summers, the collection is driven by the principles of simplicity and nature, as well as the rigors of form and function. This dynamic combination is what guides each piece in the collection. Every component is vital and works in harmony – nothing can be added, nothing can be taken away.

"Alvar Aalto's Paimio Chair and Gerald Summers' infamous 1935 Bent Plywood Armchair were revolutionary due to the use of laminated plywood, a material that was introduced to the market in 1928," describes Lee F. Mindel, FAIA. Mindel notes that the success of Aalto and Summers' work originated from exploring the possibilities of this new material and exploiting its inherent ability to be molded and bent into organic forms without resorting to the use of surface ornamentation.

"The challenge posed in the creation of outdoor furniture is that the most suitable and sustainable materials, teak and mahogany, cannot employ the form-making techniques of bent plywood," Mindel continues. "Computer Numerical Control (CNC) technology enables us to cut teak in organic curved slices that are held together through threaded steel bars. Through this technique we hope to transcend the material and, without applied ornamentation, find an inevitable form, function and beauty that is inspired by the rigor and honesty of Aalto and Summers' design philosophy."

The pieces in the Continuous Line collection follow this same design concept and distinctive minimalistic aesthetic. The lounge chair and chaise are both enhanced by 316 stainless steel joinery, which is not only critical to their function but also augments their graceful, lithe designs. The lounge chair was inspired by Gerald Summers' Bent Plywood Armchair, which Mindel describes as "seemingly derived from a single plane of wood and cut and manipulated into a chair like origami." The chair echoes this principle with fluid, parallel lines of teak wood that flow and connect seamlessly to form the chair's iconic silhouette. The chaise also features clean, continuous lines and has a luxurious width.   

"This collection is truly an extraordinary architectural expression," says David Sutherland, CEO of Perennials and Sutherland, LLC. "The distinctive combination of elemental, natural forms and intelligent connectivity allow the pieces to stand alone as works of art in their own right. Continuous Line is unflinchingly unique, bold and striking, yet minimal and beautifully honest in design."

The Continuous Line collection highlights the exceptional design quality and remarkable performance characteristics Sutherland Furniture^® is known for. The lounge chair features wide arms, a comfortable pitch angle and a bit of movement. The chaise can rest flat with three additional seating positions, and features glides and stainless steel wheels. Both are offered in both natural and weathered teak wood finishes.

The Continuous Line collection is available to interior designers and architects through fine showrooms worldwide. To view the full collection, visit www.sutherlandfurniture.com. High-res images are available upon request.

About Lee F. Mindel / SheltonMindel℠
Lee F. Mindel, FAIA received his Master of Architecture from Harvard University after obtaining his Bachelor of Arts, cum laude, with Distinction in Architecture, from the University of Pennsylvania. He is a founding partner of the world renowned architecture and design firm SheltonMindel℠, a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects, author of "Shelton, Mindel & Associates: Architecture and Design" published by Rizzoli International Publications, and photographer and author of over 100 stories as "The Architect's Eye" for Architectural Digest.

SheltonMindel℠ has had the opportunity to seamlessly integrate architecture, interior design and context in environments that transcend mere enclosure and become an art form. The firm has received and won numerous accolades for architecture, interiors and product design. In addition to being recognized as one of the top 100 design firms of the last century by Architectural Digest for the past 22 years,  SheltonMindel℠ is the recipient of over 30 awards from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the Society of American Registered Architects (SARA), 10 Interior Design Magazine Best of Year awards for residential and commercial interiors including House of the Decade, as well as three GOOD DESIGN^® awards and two American Architecture Awards from Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design. Both Peter L. Shelton and Lee F. Mindel were inducted into the Interior Design Hall of Fame and were the recipients of the prestigious 2011 Cooper Hewitt National Design Award.

About Perennials and Sutherland, LLC
The Perennials and Sutherland, LLC companies are icons and acknowledged leaders in the international design industry. CEO David Sutherland and President Ann Sutherland share an ingenious talent for curating the finest interior and exterior collections of luxury furniture, fabrics, rugs and accessories. Based in Dallas, Texas, the company is comprised of Sutherland Furniture^®, Perennials Luxury Performance Fabrics^® and David Sutherland Showrooms.

Perennials Fabrics^® is recognized by interior designers and high-end retail customers as the leader in luxury performance fabrics. Perennials Fabrics^® and Perennials Luxury Performance Rugs combine the look and feel of high-quality, natural materials with the superior performance properties of their genuine 100% solution-dyed acrylic fiber technology. View the full collections at perennialsfabrics.com.

Sutherland Furniture^® is a world leader in luxury outdoor furniture for modern lifestyles. The company has created the preeminent furniture brand through partnerships with the world's leading designers, along with utilizing the highest quality materials. View the full collections at sutherlandfurniture.com.

David Sutherland Showrooms are full-service, multi-line showrooms which serve the professional design market in showrooms and studios across the United States. For more information and locations, visit davidsutherlandshowroom.com.

SOURCE Sutherland Furniture

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