Born to a Dutch mother and German father in 1971, Michael Koenig says his secret to developing designs for his long line-up of exclusive design companies is simple: take an everyday article, twist its use, function, material and, in many cases, add a touch of humor. Dramatically slatted in a colorful galvanized steel frame, this specific design – the Sun Deck by Flora – is more of an optical illusion than a knee-slapper.

Sun Deck. Designed by Michael Koenig for Flora.

Lounge in Style with a Two-Sided Sun Deck Bench and Footrest

Speaking of which, how often do you see a bench with a footrest? Plush couches with furry ottomans, a few lounge chairs with sleek footrests, and many a folding chair with tree stump, yes. But never a two-sided bench with matching footrest. Why? Because most benches back up to a wall or line a running path or road. That’s what makes the Sun Deck different. You can put it anywhere, in any direction and the funny part: you choose which height you like better.

The Sun Deck bench seats are two slightly different heights – one side measures 400mm high while the other is 740mm. Together, the double back draws you in without creating awkward “conjoined” bench moments between perfect strangers since the only place the bench connects is at the very top of the backrest. The footrest matches the lounger bench seats and offers itself as a smaller bench when necessary. Altogether, the Flora lounger bench and footrest set use only two materials: a powder-coated steel frame in light gray or orange and larch wood lathes in a water resistant glaze.

On the Flora website it states that since 2008 Michael Koenig has been in charge of Flora’s art direction in Halver, Germany. What might this mean? If you’re as into the lop-sided, siamese designs as I am, keep your eyes on Flora.