As summer presses on we find ourselves spending more and more time outside. From the harsh rays of the sun to the occasional (okay, persistent) summer showers, there comes a time when we need reprieve, but aren’t necessarily willing to admit defeat and hibernate indoors. The architecture studio Bestetti Associati teamed up with furniture manufacturer Paola Lenti to create “a contemporary architectural structure, designed to be the ultimate protection from the elements.”

Cabanne. Designed by Bestetti Associati for Paola Lenti.

“Cabanne is a modular system, allowing for endless possible architectural solutions tailored to the spaces, the situations, the requirements,” according to Paola Lenti. “It is the start of a collaboration where Bestetti Associati and Paola Lenti explore the relationship between container and content.” Bestetti Associati has previous experience with modular design, as evident with their design of Planit, a modular prefabricated building made by Pircher and outfitted entirely by B&B Italia (the house served as the setting of a photo shoot for the high-end furniture company.) “Cabanne is an open project.” It reduces the ever-popular freestanding shade structure to a kit of parts, capable of being configured for any space. Categorically, it sits somewhere between architecture and product design, an increasingly popular area for designers.  (Also check out the ODA ROOM of flexible, portable dwelling units.)

Cabanne is fabricated out of metal and wood, with “the ultimate aim of combining Paola Lenti’s unique style, plus simplicity of form and high tech materials.” The iroko wood (sometimes called African or Nigerian teak, though unrelated to the teak family) is touch, dense and durable. “[It] has been purposely left untreated to allow its natural evolution over time.” The metal has been treated with innovative techniques to guarantee “its longevity and resistance to the elements.” 

Modern, sophisticated and cozy…Cabanne is perfect for both residential and commercial applications.  Post “fun in the sun” one can happily relax in the shade.