Traverse Collection by Erwan Bouroullec

In the French designer's own words: "You could leave it anywhere and it will age very nicely – Traverse will enjoy the rain and the sun, and step by step it will start to melt into the space."

The choice of heat-treated ash results in robust pieces of furniture that become more beautiful over time. "Teak wood and other rainforest woods are excellent for outdoor use, but it is not necessarily a responsible material choice," says Rolf Hay, co-founder of HAY. "Believe it or not, this is actually ash wood, which normally has a lighter colour, but by heating it, it turns brown, drawing out weatherproof qualities and allowing the furniture to better withstand the outdoors." 

The collection combines robust construction with an inviting expression. The chair and armchairs in particular reflect Bouroullec's simple yet original design that feels at home in a variety of settings. "In many ways, it's a simple chair, but Erwan has given a beautiful form to it," says Hay. 

Traverse is a hallmark of HAY's innovative approach to design, thanks to its efficient production setup. The clever, flat-packed design relies on a small number of variables, allowing it to be easily adapted to different types of furnishings. "In the end, we have relatively expensive materials here. But by producing efficiently, we can keep the range democratically priced," Hay explains. Bouroullec taps into the sentimentality of building furniture: "Traverse is meant to be built by the person who is acquiring it; people will create an emotional link to the object that they produce, and later, use." 

The collection is named 'Traverse' thanks to the symmetrical FSC-certified wooden slats that form the surface when 'crossing' the aluminium sections, but the name is also meant to convey the passing of time: the idea that furniture should mature to feel like a familiar friend. With its well-balanced aesthetics and ergonomic design, Traverse's collection of chairs, tables, stools, and benches will provide lasting comfort and elegance in a wide range of outdoor spaces.