Images courtesy of Versteel
Versteel has introduced new offerings, Pavilion and Pop-Up, to meet the demand for outdoor solutions. As we continue to prioritize health and wellness in work and in education settings, these options offer flexibility, so that learning and work can take place anywhere.
Before the pandemic, there was an emphasis on access to fresh air and sunlight, and designers and developers have noted that outdoor areas created specifically for working are among the most desired amenities. “A lot of companies are adding outdoor spaces now. Having more usable space, whether it is on a rooftop or adjacent to a building, increases the value of a property,” said Scott Schwinghammer, president of Versteel.
The design team began thinking about outdoor furnishings when a client expressed a need for some pieces that were more versatile than a typical lounge chair. “A customer of ours in the Southwest talked about wanting to utilize more outdoor space, and asked if we could create products that they could use for education settings outside. There was a lot of casual outdoor furniture, but it wasn’t durable enough,” Schwinghammer noted.
Not only did they look at basic tables and chairs, they viewed patios, decks, and terraces to analyze elements of styling and performance. “We looked at who had outdoor areas and how they were using them. We found that these outside areas needed a little bit more structure. We also talked about covered spaces, because even when it’s nice enough to go outside, people don’t necessarily want to be sitting in the sun. That’s how we came up with Pavilion and Pop-Up,” Schwinghammer explained.
Durability was key for these pieces that were designed to withstand the elements during all of the seasons. “We pre-treated the surfaces and used different materials,” Schwinghammer said. Featuring an anti-corrosive primer, many of Versteel’s powder-coat colors are available for covered exterior use. Corian is resistant to environmental pollutants, humidity, and temperature variations. Shells are made of molded resilient polypropylene, a durable alternative to fabrics.
The color palette captures the essence of nature, and reflects the renewed optimism we are feeling this year. “We actually used some brighter colors and added some new ones, because you can have more vibrant tones outside. It gives you a feeling of freshness,” Schwinghammer said.
We can expect to see products that seamlessly transition from indoor to outdoor, as interiors continue to be used for multiple functions. “All of these products started out as concepts for the indoors, and we figured out a way to take them outdoors. People can have this furniture on the patio, and then they can just as easily use them in a lunchroom inside. They can have the same look throughout an entire facility, and then carry it back to the outside. This is the driver now, complete design, flowing from inside to out,” Schwinghammer added.
Pavilion
Pavilion provides semi-permanent or long-term outdoor design solutions that can be kept outside under shelter and out of direct sunlight. Versteel’s adaptable, quality table and chairs can be used in pavilion-style patios, ready for spontaneous meetings or individual, heads-down work. “With Pavilion, the space is already set up, but it still has that flexibility. You can decide which type of furniture you want to use and how you want to arrange it, to create different types of settings,” Schwinghammer noted.
Pavilion supports various styles of work, including relaxed, communal, or focused. For relaxed work or dining options, an employee can use a range of tables and chairs. Communal configurations allow colleagues to interact face-to-face while maintaining comfortable distance. Staff can collaborate outdoors to generate ideas and fuel staff productivity.
Occasionally, people need time for focused work or study. A student may be using an outdoor classroom to study for an exam, or a company can have a designated enclave for individualized work. Schwinghammer said that they had to strike a perfect balance when creating the furniture. Each piece had to be comfortable, but not too heavy, and not so light that it could be knocked down by heavy winds or rain.
Mobility and sound were also important factors. “We changed some of our casters and used a softer rubber, so that when you are rolling something outside, you are not disturbing people in meetings. We took that into consideration when we thought about pieces designed to be used and moved outdoors,” he explained.
Pop-Up
Pop-Up can be established for temporary or day-only setups under covered shelter. Pop-Up is best utilized for scheduled outdoor work and learning applications. This solution can be pivotal when larger spaces are needed, such as extra classrooms. “Pop-Up can be used to accommodate groups of people when you want to take them outside for training sessions or events,” Schwinghammer noted.
Any number and combination of tables and chairs can be arranged for optimal group work. For example, 16 tables can be placed in a 20-by-20-foot-space, 25 tables can be placed in a 27-by-26-foot-space, and 36 tables can be set up in a 32-by-32-foot-area. “It makes it easy for a university or a business to hold a session using stackable chairs, and then put everything back in storage when they are done. Pop-Up may be taken down and may not be used for a month or two until the next event is scheduled. It really allows for you to maximize more of the outdoor area that you have, when you need to,” Schwinghammer said.