TUUCI’s Horizon Collection captures the expansive beauty of the sky and sea with open arm designs, floating platforms and tailored cushions. Lindsay Kissel, senior vice president of product management and design, joins us this week to discuss how the brand utilized new technology to create the collection.
Raymond Paul Schneider: When did you first start developing this new collection?
Lindsay Kissel: We began conceptualizing Tuuci’s new furniture collections in mid-2023. Recognizing a growing desire for transitional furniture that seamlessly blends the refined comfort of the interior with the effortless beauty and simplicity of natural environments, Dougan Clarke, founder and chief product designer, saw an opportunity to bring something entirely different to the market.
RPS: What was your initial inspiration, and where did the idea come from?
LK: We’ve recognized a new focus on indoor-outdoor living in recent years, with interior spaces flowing seamlessly to the exterior and vice versa. Landscape architecture has become a natural extension of the interior, with exterior spaces feeling more like “outdoor living rooms.” Our furniture collections were designed to meet the needs of these unrestricted indoor/outdoor lifestyles, with comfortable and sophisticated frames, cushions, textiles, and other materials that could be placed just as easily in the interior without feeling out of place. Complementing Tuuci’s design ethos around comfort, style, and durability, creating these open-air lounging experiences was a natural extension for the brand.
Clarke was also inspired by the idea of creating a truly bespoke collection that allows people to tailor their pieces and furniture groupings to suit their space and personal design preferences. The nautical influences Tuuci is known for can also be found throughout the collection, such as the beautiful Aluma-TEAK finishes and stainless-steel bezel, bar, and button trim details.
RPS: Describe your overall creative and design process.
LK: Our design process begins with a deep understanding of how people interact with their outdoor environments, whether they’re in residential, commercial, or hospitality settings. This vision was to create a deep-seated furniture collection that makes outdoor settings the most comfortable rooms in the house, building, or resort.
We started by sketching concepts that emphasize both form and function, ensuring each piece feels bespoke and intentional. Collaborating closely with our artisans, we then selected materials that are not only beautiful but also durable enough to withstand various climates. Iteration, detail additions and subtractions as well as prototyping allow us to refine each design, focusing on details like the signature bezel, bar, and button trim finishes that define the collection, as well as the Side Lock and Twin-T Lock features that make these pieces so easy to use and enjoy by keeping cushions in place.
RPS: Did you have a specific audience or theme in mind?
LK: The Horizon Collection was designed for individuals and establishments seeking to elevate their outdoor spaces with furniture that combines sophistication and practicality. Whether it’s a residential patio or a luxury resort, our goal was to create pieces that enhance the ambiance and provide unparalleled comfort.
RPS: Did you use any new techniques or technologies to conceptualize or create this product?
LK: Yes, the Horizon Collection features our innovative Aluma-Forge™ cold-weld construction for a seamless and robust structure. Additionally, our Aluma-TEAK finishes replicate the rich appearance of natural wood while offering superior durability and nominal maintenance, a significant advancement in outdoor furniture design.
Innovative Manufacturing
- Aluma-Forge, Cold-Weld Construction: This advanced technique creates a perfect balance of luxury, durability, and longevity.
- Aluma-TEAK Finishes: These finishes offer the warm, rich look of wood while offering superior resilience and durability.
- Leg-Leveling System: A finely tuned balance and adjustment system, discreetly positioned at the top of the leg, ensures stability without compromising the sleek design.
Cushion Innovation
- Twin-T Cushion Lock: This patented system secures seat cushions firmly to the frame without visible fasteners or bulky ties, preserving a clean and modern appearance.
- Four-Layer Comfort-Core Cushion: Encased in a water-resistant and antibacterial liner, these cushions stay dry and resilient, offering exceptional support and long-lasting comfort.
RPS: Were there any challenges that influenced or changed the final design?
LK: A key element of the design was offering our Aluma-TEAK finish while also reducing and almost eliminating all visible fasteners. This led to the innovative Aluma-Forge technology that allows Tuuci to achieve a furniture experience unlike any other in the market. Another challenge was achieving the almost floating platform effect while ensuring stability and comfort. Through multiple design iterations and material testing, we developed a support system that provides the desired aesthetic without compromising structural integrity.
RPS: Describe your brand’s overall DNA and ethos.
LK: Tuuci was born in Miami, and its design ethos formed around Clarke’s lifelong love of the sea and the serenity of outdoor living. Tuuci’s products as well as Clarke’s designs embody luxurious comfort and simplicity, seamlessly integrating the elegance of nautical themes with furnishings that are perfectly suited across interior, exterior and transitional spaces.
We are committed to enhancing outdoor living by designing pieces that invite relaxation and connection, transforming spaces into personal sanctuaries. Our dedication to quality craftsmanship and innovative design reflects our passion for the outdoors and our desire to provide enduring value to our clients.
Like what you see? Get it first with a subscription to aspire design and home magazine.