Sunniva Deluxe: Redefining the Porch Swing

An Outdoor Swing Inspired by Nature

The Sunniva Deluxe swing stands out from others in its category due to its unique design and features. Brian incorporated laminations into the swing, replacing conventional lines and angles with curves inspired by nature. This not only adds a sense of movement but also provides lumbar support and an unobstructed view, as there are no ropes or chains for support. The cantilevered stand is engineered to be flexible, silent in operation, and easily movable.

The swing and stand are made using epoxied bent laminations, which provide both comfort and strength. The joinery features fully housed double tenons to prevent moisture from compromising the construction's integrity. Honduran mahogany, known for its beauty and performance, is the primary material used. Brian sustainably sources the mahogany through a non-profit organization he co-founded 23 years ago, which focuses on woodworking and chair making techniques in Honduras. The swing's hardware is made of stainless steel, and the footpads on the stand are recycled rubber.

The Sunniva Deluxe swing is designed to accommodate two adults comfortably. Its dimensions are 226.06 cm in height, 195.58 cm in width, and 132.08 cm in depth. Custom sizes are also available, with or without the stand.

This swing offers a more elegant and ergonomic experience compared to traditional porch swings. While the stand is optional, it allows for versatile placement and provides a buoyant swinging experience due to the flexibility of its bows. If you have a load-bearing structure such as a porch roof, you can mount the swing directly to it.

The Sunniva Deluxe swing was developed over several years, with the design process taking place in 2011-2012. The patent for this design was awarded in 2014.

In the creation of the Sunniva Deluxe swing, extensive research was conducted to ensure its durability and performance. The choice of adhesive for the laminations was crucial, as it needed to penetrate the wood thoroughly and provide a solid bond. After testing various options, an oak and teak-derived epoxy was selected for its ability to saturate the wood fibers. Additionally, the strength of the laminations was tested by destroying offcuts to gauge their durability in different environmental conditions and application techniques.

One of the design challenges faced was creating a comfortable and accommodating vertical curve for the swing, as it needed to accommodate multiple people. Several iterations were tested before finalizing the contour.

The Sunniva Deluxe swing was designed to enhance the outdoor experience in every aspect. Its support structure is positioned behind the sitter, ensuring an unobstructed view. The bent laminations in the bows provide a natural buoyancy, creating a truly relaxing experience. The laminated seat and back supports cradle the user in complete comfort. The visual invitation to sit and relax is hard to resist when passing by this piece.

The Sunniva Deluxe swing has been recognized for its excellence in design. It was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in 2016, which honors well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements. This award acknowledges the integration of industry best practices and competent technical characteristics, contributing to a better world.