Leyasol by Freifrau – a modern classic on a summer retreat

Not only is the Leya series already a classic of the Freifrau portfolio, it's also archetypal of the young German company's furniture. The company was founded just over a decade ago by Hansjörg Helweg, and though today it is co-managed by his twin sons Marc and Niklas, the gentle DNA of the manufacturer, of course, remains unchanged . Even the name discreetly refers to the fact that the design language is soft, graceful and comfortable.

The feminine and bold design was a conscious decision made by its founder, who wanted to do things differently from the rather strict formality of Italy – as well as try something different from other manufacturers. All twelve furniture families bear women's names, with Leya being one of the first models launched. It is characterised by a loosely and particularly voluminously upholstered seat side, which contrasts with the solid and tightly upholstered back. Over the years, the series has grown steadily. When it comes to the range, Freifrau also likes to lean towards the unconventional – Leya for example, in addition to recliners, armchairs and loungers, is also available as a rocking chair and a swing seat dangling from ropes.

The series was designed by Birgit Hoffmann and Christoph Kahleyss. The duo, who live and work in Hamburg, also designed the filigree and distinctive wireframe for the collection, which characterises the series alongside the plate base and spider base alternatives. When it came to making Leya suitable for outdoor use in the summer of 2021, the designers sought an aesthetic connection to the metal substructure.

The closed shell was replaced by a weather-resistant wire construction on which the soft cushions could be placed and easily removed again. This combines the homely qualities of the original indoor furniture with robust outdoor capabilities – and the family resemblance is clearly in evidence. The intended purpose of extended outdoor use meant the name of the new additions also had to be adapted: The astronomical name for the sun now appends the original Leya, resulting in the happy family offshoot Leyasol.

Because Freifrau as a company is committed to a puristic concept of manufacture, handcraft and individualisation both play an important role. In addition to the many design variants of each family, which respond to each situation in a tailor-made way, everything from wing chairs to benches to stools, materials, covers and colours can be specified entirely individually. In addition to the standard colours, the frames are also powder-coated in the subtle nuances of the RAL palette, and covers can be specified not only between a choice of fabric or leather, but also from different textures, material compositions and colours. Frame and cover can thus be designed completely monochrome ‘as if from one mould’ or with a colour contrast while functioning outdoors either discreetly or to create a deliberate accent.

How Leyasol proves itself in both newly conquered and already established habitats is shown again and again in Freifrau's very special photo shoots. In recent years, Leya and Leyasol have travelled to special and specially selected locations to show their diversity of uses under foliage and in meadows, on floating platforms or in historical ensembles. Hoffmann, the designer of Leya and Leyasol, who also works as creative director at Freifrau, is responsible for the staging. She has, for example, brought collections to the rustic-modern environs of architect Thomas Kröger's Red Barn, as well as the natural environment of the UNESCO biosphere reserve at Schaalsee. This year, Leyasol travelled to northern Italy, and more specifically to the romantic garden of Villa Lago near Milan, where the collection is presented in atmospheric open-air context.

Leyasol shows the range of its potential in the numerous garden situations offered by the villa in Lombardy, from pond to dense forest. Rocking under the pergola, the series‘ Swing Seat provides quiet and contemplative moments, while the classic chairs and armchairs, with their fluffy cushions filled with artificial down, ensure relaxed conviviality during dinner on the terrace. The rocking chair offers the most beautiful of reading spots, while bar tables and bar stools invite you to an aperitivo. With Leyasol, the garden of the villa becomes an extension of the living space – and in no way inferior to the collection's interior formats in terms of cosiness.

© Architonic

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