Seychelle: The Innovative Outdoor Folding Sofa

Bringing Comfort and Functionality to Outdoor Living Spaces

The Seychelle sofa was inspired by the desire to bring the comfort of indoor living outside, while addressing the challenges of storage, weather, and UV deterioration. Maurice Lacy, the inventor and designer, aimed to maintain the simplicity of curves and soft lines, achieving a timeless form that seamlessly blends with any outdoor setting.

What sets the Seychelle sofa apart is its innovative self-storing feature. The sofa is enclosed within a durable protective shell, which not only provides storage but also serves as a bench seat or sunbed when closed. Unlike traditional folding sofas that expand backward, the Seychelle expands forward, allowing it to be placed close to walls and maximizing space utilization.

The outer shell of the Seychelle sofa is made from high-strength marine-grade fiberglass, ensuring longevity and protection against the elements. The choice of materials allows for a variety of shell surface finishes, making the sofa a stylish addition to any outdoor space.

Designed for long life and durability, the internal mechanism of the Seychelle sofa is made from high-grade marine-quality stainless steel. The sofa features rain-protected ventilation to prevent moisture buildup and mold. Its space-saving design allows for the rear of the sofa to be placed just a few centimeters from walls, ensuring easy opening without making contact.

With dimensions of 2,080 mm in length, 910 mm in closed depth, and 1,000 mm in open depth, the Seychelle sofa comfortably seats three adults. The upholstery is made from UV-rated high marine-grade Shield leather from Goodrich Global, ensuring resistance to fading and deterioration. The bench seat top is made from marine-grade Flexiteek, providing a durable and stylish finish.

Opening and closing the Seychelle sofa is a breeze, requiring just one action to lock it into position when open. The soft close and opening are assisted by two gas struts, ensuring a smooth and effortless experience. For added convenience, the sofa can be equipped with pressure sensors and remote opening capabilities. Additionally, speaker mounts are strategically placed behind the revolving arm panels, allowing for future adaptation of Bluetooth entertainment.

The Seychelle sofa project started in Melbourne, Australia, in 2014 and underwent extensive design trials over the following years. The development process took the designer, Maurice Lacy, to Europe for further research and then to Vietnam to explore manufacturing possibilities. The first model was presented at the innovative design fair at the Bella Centre in Copenhagen, receiving a very positive reaction.

The Seychelle sofa is a testament to the designer's meticulous research and attention to detail. The materials were carefully selected to work together, avoiding any potential corrosive effects. The combination of stainless steel and aluminum, with PPE spaces between metals, ensures the longevity of the sofa. The marine-grade fiberglass shell is not only durable but also recyclable, making it an environmentally friendly choice.

Overcoming creative and technical challenges, Maurice Lacy achieved a soft flowing look for the Seychelle sofa. The sofa arms, rotating panels, seat back, and base drop down inside the shell when closed, maintaining the desired overall appearance. With a simple maintenance regime, this product is designed to last for years.

The Seychelle sofa has been recognized for its outstanding design and creativity, receiving the Bronze A' Design Award in the Furniture Design category in 2019. This prestigious award acknowledges designs that incorporate best practices in art, science, design, and technology, contributing to quality of life improvements.

With the Seychelle sofa, Maurice Lacy has reimagined outdoor furniture, providing a solution that combines comfort, functionality, and style. Whether you're enjoying a book on a cool day or hosting a gathering with friends, the Seychelle sofa offers the perfect outdoor seating experience.