Design down to the last detail: the Averio XS from Züco

Züco's company history began over a hundred years ago in the shape of a saddlery and upholstery workshop, manufacturing bedding, leather goods and sports articles. Züco's later focus on seating furniture came from the sons of the company's founder, Karl Zünd. When they took over their father's upholstery workshop in the middle of the last century, they founded Karl Zünd & Co, from which the brand name was later derived. Three decades were to pass before office chairs became the mainstay of the company, though lounge furniture had already been part of the range from the very beginning and had always garnered praise for its high level of comfort.

More recently, the brand launched a new lounge chair, the Averio. The lightweight chair combines all the usual first-class design characteristics typical of Züco that are designed to make users feel good. Designed by in-house designer Rüdiger Schaack, Averio was predestined for numerous different applications, from the lobby to the meeting room to the management suite. Because the frame and upholstery can be individually configured, the Averio is a universal chair that merges easily with a wide range of furnishing styles. The wooden frame in natural oak or stained black, for example, emphasises the cosy character of an interior, while the slender steel frame of the sled base embodies elegance and lightness. The third frame option, a classic aluminium base with swivel function, brings a literal sense of dynamism into play.

The latest member of the lounge furniture family is the somewhat slimmer brother of the Averio, the Averio XS, but In terms of design and comfort, it is very much the equal of its larger predecessor. It is available with the same variety of cover materials and upholstery versions as well as a wide range of frame options but, in order to be utilised in gastronomic environments, in particular, Schaack has designed this version to be somewhat more space-saving while also bringing it up to the height of a dining room chair.

And, just like its older relative, the Averio XS is highly customisable. There are several textile and leather versions to choose from for the fully upholstered armchair. The seat as well as the inside and outside of the backrest can be finished in either a uniform or contrasting design with different materials and colours. Depending on preference, the backrest upholstery can also be more taut or slightly looser. For even more comfort, the latter option has a layer of padding under the upholstery cover, whose casual folds' similarity to your comfortable sofa at home is anything but a coincidence. Over the last few years, our relationship with our workplace has changed a lot, as we all know. Homeliness, comfort and security are at the forefront of the requirements placed on contemporary working environments. Züco is also setting new standards in this arena and has created a range that is by no means limited to office use – the versatile and multi-talented Averio XS works just as well at home.

If we take a closer look at the shape of the shell, a trend that is currently manifesting itself in the seating furniture sector can be noticed. Both the Averio and the Averio XS are characterised by a narrow gap at the lower back, which gives them an even more filigree look. For those in the know, this detail underlines the company's dedication to quality, as such a seemingly simple trick requires a high level of craftsmanship. And this brings us back to the triad that makes Züco so unique: design, quality and versatility.

And there is another thing that distinguishes a clever design concept: expandability. The Averio / Averio XS series is completed by matching side tables, which are available with a sled base, black powder-coated and chrome-plated or with a wooden base. For the circular table tops, there is a choice between clear glass and marble-look HPL in white or black. True Zücos – right down to the last detail.

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