the modular outdoor lounge system ‘BREA’, designed by barber & osgerby for dedon, is produced at the highest standards. the upholstered sections look and feel permanent, although they can be removed at a moment’s notice. they literally slip on over backrests, side rests and seating. all materials used are suitable not only for use indoors but also outdoors.

barber & osgerby's BREA modular lounge system for dedon at milan design week
the two-seater
image © dedon

 

 

for edward barber and jay osgerby, the concept of ‘BREA’ derives from their belief that outdoor furniture should receive the same attention to detail they give their indoor designs. modular sofa systems were typology that, in their view, was particularly ripe for reinvention out of doors. inspired by the challenge, the designers sought to create a system that would not only allow upholstered elements to be removed, but that would look beautiful with or without them.

barber & osgerby's BREA modular lounge system for dedon at milan design week
the single seater
image © dedon

 

 

dedon’s ‘BREA’ is characterized by an unparalleled simplicity, quality, and comfort that begins with its innovative tubular frame structure. three stainless steel ‘loops’, one each for the single-seater, two-seater and three-seater modules, form the basis of the system. together with a tubular armrest, a tubular backrest, and five cleverly designed universal castings in aluminum, the loops allow for an endless variety of lounging configurations.

barber & osgerby's BREA modular lounge system for dedon at milan design week
designboom attended dedon’s installation at salone del mobile
image © desigboom

 

 

by reducing elements and eliminating complexity, barber and osgerby were able to focus on quality, from the perfection of the universal castings to the comfort of the cushions and upholstery. to support the cushions, they opted for belts of tensioned webbing. the result is an even greater comfort, and, when the upholstery is removed, a beautiful graphical solution that meets the designers’ famously high aesthetic standards. for added practicality, the system is light enough to be re-positioned with ease.

barber & osgerby's BREA modular lounge system for dedon at milan design week
the dedn’s installation with the seat’s bare structure on the wall
image © desigboom