Axel Enthoven has been a mainstay in the furniture design world for decades – winning his first industry award in 1969 – so it's not surprising that he created one of the first molded teak chairs for outdoor use. (And tested it by submerging it in water for eight months.) Together with his partners Jean-Pierre Geelen and Alain Denis, the designer operates his international design studio from offices in both the Netherlands and France. Elan (2008) represents a watershed moment (no pun intended) for the three designers, who wanted to combine the beauty and sculpted lines of a molded plywood chair with the durability required for outdoor living. The Elan Chair passed the water test and did not delaminate. (Teaching the chair to swim is another matter.) With solid teak frames and laminated teak seats and backs, these chairs are stronger than many solid teak equivalents due to the designers' use of state-of-the-art veneering and cross-lamination techniques. For head and neck support when you're reclining, add the optional Headrest and Headrest Cushion. The teak used to make Elan is harvested from strictly managed plantations that follow good practices for the environment, the workers and the local communities. Cushions (sold separately) are upholstered in Sunbrella® fabric, which resists fading and mildew, even when exposed to extreme sunlight, temperature and moisture. Suitable for residential, hospitality and contract use. Made in Indonesia.

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DWR Exclusive
Alternate directional layers of laminated teak in seats and backs (each teak layer is 1mm thick); solid teak arms and legs; brushed stainless steel accents. CUSHIONS, Sunbrella® "Linen" fabric (100% acrylic); polyester-wrapped foam.