First among sequels: Hybrid by B&B Italia Outdoor
Brand story by Bethan Ryder
Novedrate (CO), Italy
25.03.20
B&B Italia’s new modular seating system ‘Hybrid’ picks up where its predecessor left off – sustainable, customisable and breaking down boundaries between outside and in.
Antonio Citterio’s ‘Hybrid’ truly encapsulates the great modernist ideal of seamless indoor-outdoor living. The low-level upholstery is modular, allowing for multiple iterations whether poolside, living room or terrace
Antonio Citterio’s ‘Hybrid’ truly encapsulates the great modernist ideal of seamless indoor-outdoor living. The low-level upholstery is modular, allowing for multiple iterations whether poolside, living room or terrace
×The most productive creative partnerships are always evolving, successful products becoming an ellipsis for the next. As we grapple with climate change, it makes sense to behave more ethically in design and production. And, so it is with the new ‘Hybrid’ modular seating system, which has been two years in the making for Italian maestro Antonio Citterio and B&B Italia. ‘I’ve started to think more sustainably and “Hybrid” is a development of “Ribes”,’ he says of the former, which harnesses several internal elements and materials utilised in the latter, which was launched to great acclaim last year.
‘Hybrid’ maintains the light, gravity-defying look that defines Antonio Citterio’s designs for B&B Italia’s indoor ranges. Innovations in outdoor fabrics further enhance the sensual comfort of ’Hybrid’, something rarely associated with outdoor furniture
‘Hybrid’ maintains the light, gravity-defying look that defines Antonio Citterio’s designs for B&B Italia’s indoor ranges. Innovations in outdoor fabrics further enhance the sensual comfort of ’Hybrid’, something rarely associated with outdoor furniture
בThe name “Hybrid” describes the notion of no inside-outside boundaries,’ says Citterio, echoing the ambitions of great modernist architects. His new seating design with its low, floating profile certainly channels the sensual comfort and luxe minimalism of indoor upholstery. The simple aesthetic belies a complex construction; the seat cushions developed specifically for outdoor use are constructed from paddings of different densities and appear to defy gravity, hovering lightly over an invisible base. It is, however, supported by a platform of fibreglass slats sitting upon a base of extruded aluminium painted sage, clay and anthracite – utilising engineering and materials initially devised for ‘Ribes’.
B&B Italia is well-versed in the art of offering plenty of customisation options and ‘Hybrid’ is a highly adaptable design with a variety of sizes, heights and depths available to suit many scenarios whether private residential or commercial projects
B&B Italia is well-versed in the art of offering plenty of customisation options and ‘Hybrid’ is a highly adaptable design with a variety of sizes, heights and depths available to suit many scenarios whether private residential or commercial projects
×As customisable as an indoor sofa, ‘Hybrid’ can be specified in eight sizes and two depths, with two heights of arm and backrests and additional cushions in various sizes offering further styling options. Advances in textile innovation have also expanded the choice of upholstery with a series of outdoor fabrics woven from eco-friendly, mélange, polypropylene yarn available in different colours. Combining Citterio’s economical approach to design with substantial structural and textile innovation, ‘Hybrid’ might well be the sequel that improves on the original.
© Architonic
