CNC cuts seamless teak furniture, joined using stainless rods
DALLAS - Sutherland Furniture introduced the Continuous Line, outdoor furniture designed by Lee Mindel of renowned design firm SheltonMindel.
 
"The challenge posed in the creation of outdoor furniture is that the most suitable and sustainable materials, teak and mahogany, cannot employ the form-making techniques of bent plywood," Mindel says.
 
The line is inspired by the organic modernist styles of 20th Century Finnish architect and designer Alvar Aalto and his contemporary, famed Bent Plywood Chair designer Gerald Summers. The collection is driven by the principles of simplicity and nature, as well as the rigors of form and function, according to Mindel, who says every component is vital and works in harmony – nothing can be added, nothing can be taken away. 

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"Computer Numerical Control - CNC- technology enables us to cut teak in organic curved slices that are held together through threaded steel bars," Mindel says. "Through this technique we hope to transcend the material and, without applied ornamentation, find an inevitable form, function and beauty that is inspired by the rigor and honesty of Aalto and Summers' design philosophy."

The pieces in the Continuous Line collection follow this same design concept and distinctive minimalistic aesthetic. The lounge chair and chaise are both enhanced by 316 stainless steel joinery, which is not only critical to their function but also augments their graceful, lithe designs. The lounge chair was inspired by Gerald Summers' Bent Plywood Armchair, which Mindel describes as "seemingly derived from a single plane of wood and cut and manipulated into a chair like origami."

The chair echoes this principle with fluid, parallel lines of teak wood that flow and connect seamlessly to form the chair's iconic silhouette. The chaise also features clean, continuous lines and has a luxurious width.   
One of three new collections introduced by Sutherland this spring, Continuous Line is named for its clean lines and seamless connectivity of premium teak wood. The collection makes its debut with two new pieces: a teak lounge chair and a chaise.
 
Named for its clean lines and the seamless, flowing connectivity of the wood, the Continuous Line collection makes its debut with two brand new pieces by renowned design firm SheltonMindel. Inspired by the organic modernist style of architect and designer Alvar Aalto, the collection is driven by the principles of simplicity and nature, as well as the rigors of form and function. Shown here, the Continuous Line Lounge Chair.
 
"Alvar Aalto's Paimio Chair and Gerald Summers' infamous 1935 Bent Plywood Armchair were revolutionary due to the use of laminated plywood, a material that was introduced to the market in 1928," describes Lee F. Mindel, FAIA. Mindel notes that the success of Aalto and Summers' work originated from exploring the possibilities of this new material and exploiting its inherent ability to be molded and bent into organic forms without resorting to the use of surface ornamentation.
 
"This collection is truly an extraordinary architectural expression," says David Sutherland, CEO of Perennials and Sutherland, LLC. "The distinctive combination of elemental, natural forms and intelligent connectivity allow the pieces to stand alone as works of art in their own right. Continuous Line is unflinchingly unique, bold and striking, yet minimal and beautifully honest in design."
 
The Continuous Line collection highlights the exceptional design quality and remarkable performance characteristics Sutherland Furniture is known for. The lounge chair features wide arms, a comfortable pitch angle and a bit of movement. The chaise can rest flat with three additional seating positions, and features glides and stainless steel wheels. Both are offered in both natural and weathered teak wood finishes.
 
The Continuous Line collection is available to interior designers and architects through fine showrooms worldwide. To view the full collection, visit www.sutherlandfurniture.com. High-res images are available upon request.
 
Lee F. Mindel, FAIA received his Master of Architecture from Harvard University after obtaining his Bachelor of Arts, cum laude, with Distinction in Architecture, from the University of Pennsylvania. He is a founding partner of the world renowned architecture and design firm SheltonMindel, a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects, author of "Shelton, Mindel & Associates: Architecture and Design" published by Rizzoli International Publications, and photographer and author of over 100 stories as "The Architect's Eye" for Architectural Digest.
 
SheltonMindel - has had the opportunity to seamlessly integrate architecture, interior design and context in environments that transcend mere enclosure and become an art form. The firm has received and won numerous accolades for architecture, interiors and product design. In addition to being recognized as one of the top 100 design firms of the last century by Architectural Digest for the past 22 years, SheltonMindel is the recipient of over 30 awards from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the Society of American Registered Architects (SARA), 10 Interior Design Magazine Best of Year awards for residential and commercial interiors including House of the Decade, as well as three GOOD DESIGN awards and two American Architecture Awards from Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design. Both Peter L. Shelton and Lee F. Mindel were inducted into the Interior Design Hall of Fame and were the recipients of the prestigious 2011 Cooper Hewitt National Design Award.
 
About Perennials and Sutherland - The Perennials and Sutherland, LLC companies are icons and acknowledged leaders in the international design industry. CEO David Sutherland and President Ann Sutherland share an ingenious talent for curating the finest interior and exterior collections of luxury furniture, fabrics, rugs and accessories. Based in Dallas, Texas, the company is comprised of Sutherland Furniture, Perennials Luxury Performance Fabrics and David Sutherland Showrooms. www.sutherlandfurniture.com.
 

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About the author
Bill Esler | ConfSenior Editor

Bill wrote for WoodworkingNetwork.com, FDMC and Closets & Organized Storage magazines. 

Bill's background includes more than 10 years in print manufacturing management, followed by more than 30 years in business reporting on industrial manufacturing in the forest products industries, including printing and packaging at American Printer (Features Editor) and Graphic Arts Monthly (Editor in Chief) magazines; and in secondary wood manufacturing for WoodworkingNetwork.com.

Bill was deeply involved with the launches of the Woodworking Network Leadership Forum, and the 40 Under 40 Awards programs. He currently reports on technology and business trends and develops conference programs.

In addition to his work as a journalist, Bill supports efforts to expand and improve educational opportunities in the manufacturing sectors, including 10 years on the Print & Graphics Scholarship Foundation; six years with the U.S. WoodLinks; and currently on the Woodwork Career Alliance Education Committee. He is also supports the Greater West Town Training Partnership Woodworking Program, which has trained more than 950 adults for industrial wood manufacturing careers. 

Bill volunteers for Foinse Research Station, a biological field station staddling the border of Ireland and Northern Ireland, one of more than 200 members of the Organization of Biological Field Stations.