I'm going to start off by immediately admitting that I love basalt (I have been dreaming of a basalt driveway for some time). The volcanic material, which varies from gray to pitch black, offers rich color and enchanting texture. There is something primordial about it, which is perhaps why Maffam Freeform decided to find a way to weave it into outdoor furniture.

One of the company's hanging designs, Apple Chair is "Made from Volcano," according to Maffam Freeform. They've taken some creative license in that description, which is perfectly acceptable in the design world. Each Apple Chair is woven by hand using basalt fibers, making the lace pattern unique and irreproducible.

Inside Apple Chair-and kudos to Maffam Freeform for celebrating the apple as a luscious shape-you can relax and escape "even if you're surrounded by thousands of people talking restlessly and creating chaos." The basalt lace cocoons you inside. The fact that it's a suspension chair just adds to the sense of being at one with nature, as the pendulous quality makes it akin to being inside a nest or on top of a tree branch.

Check out Nestrest by Dedon for another outdoor piece with pendant beauty and evocative form. To get more information on Apple Chair or basalt weaving, visit Maffam Freeform.