Manufacturer.
CLASSIC ACCESSORIES
Product Management Team.
LIZA MENDOZA / JAKE SORNSON
Designer.
ALEX MULD
Classic Accessories patio cover and cushion brand was growing rapidly in 2019 with nearly $100 million dollars in revenue for the year. As a result the CEO who had seeded much of the success a decade prior was looking to pivot the patio accessories brand into a patio lifestyle company through the addition of patio furniture, fire pits, lighting and decor. Following that decision in June of 2019, I was given the opportunity to lead design for all hard goods development for the CA brand.
OBJECTIVE
Develop a premium collapsible lounge chair to mark the launch of the Classic Accessories patio furniture program.
The goal of making a collapsible lounge chair was inspired by emerging trends, the benefit of reduced freight cost, and it's compatibility with CA's innovative 'Storigami' furniture cover collection. Storigami is a patented form factor that includes tactfully designed hem lines that allow the covers to fold on their own for easy and compact storage. From the onset my goal was to develop an innovative design that would validate CA's launch into the category.
CONCEPTS
The original physique of the Orcas was inspired by a few different premium patio furniture brands including Sutherland and Mamagreen. My goal was to retain both the rigidity and aesthetic integrity upheld by these premium brands while also integrating the portability and 'storability' of a collapsible beach chair - a challenge I was thrilled to pursue.
Early in my concepting process I decided to build a 1:1 model to help ground my assumptions of scale and the performance of the folding mechanisms. During this discovery process I validated the potential for a new mechanism that would both produce the required folding function as well as allow for a recline function (detailed in the following section).
FULL BACK
CONCEPT
MID BACK CONCEPT
ADIRONDACK STYLE
CONCEPT
OPTION A
( SEAT PAN FOR FOAM CUSHIONS )
OPTION B
( COMPOSITE WOOD DECK
WITH TEXTILINE BACK )
CONCEPT C
( FULL COMPOSITE WOOD DECKING )
SELECTION
The Orcas Lounge Chair is the evolution of Americas beloved adirondack chair.
For both large and small spaces alike, this unique folding lounge chair is designed to attract consumers seeking a fresh interpretation of Americas beloved adirondack chair while gaining the value of portability & storability.
ABOUT.
MATERIAL 1.
ALUMINUM
FINISH.
POWDER COAT
MATERIAL 2.
POLY COMPOSITE WOOD
NOVEL FUNCTION
UPRIGHT
Sturdy and compelling, the upright position invites one to relax, socialize and reflect.
RECLINE
The reclining backrest engages while seated, simply ease your shoulders against the backrest and unwind.
COLLAPSE
To fold & store the chair, simply lift and pull on the handle located below the seat.
LINEAR RAILS
The sliding seat function is dual purpose facilitating both the recline and folding functions. Using X4 polyethylene sleeve bearings fitted along X2 metal 'glide rails', this system will remain unobstructed by sand or other debris.
LATCHING HANDLE
Located directly below the backrest of the Orcas is a discreet handle that doubles as the locking mechanism and securing the chair in its upright position. When the lever is lifted along with the front of the chair frame, the seat is free to slide back along the linear rails while the backrest of the chair folds down into the seat.
SUN BLEACHED TEAK
COMPOSITE WOOD
MATTE GRAY
POWDER COAT
