Silver Garden and Outdoor Furniture Design · 2026
Palm Collection Lounge Seating
- A' Design Award 2026 Silver Winner in Garden and Outdoor Furniture Design
- Awarded April 15, 2026
- CLIENT: Libra By Palma International
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 16,818
- Verification code AEA2FE4EE0 · Verify this award
About Palm Collection Lounge Seating
Palm Collection is a set of lounge seating designed for indoor and outdoor spaces. The collection includes two related pieces. Palm Nest rests directly on flat ground and offers a grounded seating experience. Palm Swing is suspended from a dedicated stand and moves gently in response to body weight. Both pieces share a powder coated aluminum frame with handwoven synthetic rope surfaces. The cushions are made with quick dry foam and outdoor grade fabric. The calm sculptural forms suit homes, terraces, gardens and hospitality settings.
The Palm Collection Lounge Seating by Helle Nielsen emerges from a rich lineage of enclosed seating traditions that span cultures and centuries, from the protective hooded porter chairs of eighteenth-century Europe to the suspended egg chairs of mid-century Scandinavian modernism. This remarkable piece synthesizes these historical precedents with contemporary sensibilities toward biophilic design and the creation of restorative sanctuary spaces within outdoor environments. The technical achievement evident in the construction demonstrates exceptional command of tension-based structural systems, where the diagonal rope weaving distributes forces across the spherical aluminum armature with both engineering intelligence and aesthetic grace. The chromatic decisions reveal sophisticated understanding of color psychology within outdoor contexts, the deep green establishing visual groundedness and natural association while the warm taupe upholstery introduces welcoming domestic comfort. The delicate vertical elements ascending toward the apex, rendered in subtle dusty rose, suggest organic growth patterns and introduce a moment of chromatic lightness that lifts the visual weight of the enclosure. The compositional achievement lies in the resolution of apparent contradictions: the piece feels simultaneously substantial and ethereal, protective yet permeable, architectural in scale yet intimate in invitation. The woven pattern creates rhythm and visual interest while maintaining the structural transparency necessary for the design to breathe within garden settings. One might observe resonances with traditional basket-weaving techniques elevated to furniture scale, or perhaps echoes of vernacular fishing structures transformed into contemplative retreats. The integration of generous cushioning within the sculptural shell demonstrates the designer's commitment to genuine human comfort rather than mere formal statement. Viewers are invited to consider how this design might transform their relationship with outdoor space, creating moments of withdrawal and reflection within the openness of garden environments.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- The Palm Collection is a seating project consisting of two related designs: the Palm Nest and the Palm Swing. Developed as a cohesive family, both pieces share the same visual language while offering different ways of resting and inhabiting space. The Palm Nest is designed to sit directly on flat ground, creating a grounded and protective seating experience, while the Palm Swing is suspended from a dedicated stand, introducing a gentle sense of movement and lightness.
The collection was created in collaboration with Danish designer Finn Oestergaard, whose work is recognized for its refined Scandinavian sensibility and human-centered approach. The project explores the balance between structure and softness, combining a clearly defined aluminum frame with handwoven rope surfaces and generous cushions. This contrast allows the pieces to appear visually light while remaining structurally strong and comfortable.
Designed for both indoor and outdoor environments, the Palm Collection adapts naturally to a wide range of residential and hospitality settings. Its calm, sculptural presence encourages moments of pause, making it suitable for lounges, terraces, gardens, and transitional spaces where comfort and atmosphere are equally important. - Dimensions & Packaging
- Palm Collection consists of two seating pieces. Palm Swing: W1220 D1030 H1470 mm. Palm Nest: W1320 D1610 H1110 mm. Both designs feature a powder-coated aluminum frame combined with handwoven rope seating surfaces. Cushions are made with quick-dry foam and outdoor grade fabric. Suitable for indoor and outdoor use.
- Tags
- Palm Collection
- Production Technology
- The Palm Collection is realized through a combination of industrial production and handcraft techniques. The main structure is made from powder-coated aluminum, selected for its strength, durability, and resistance to outdoor conditions. The seating surfaces are handwoven using synthetic rope by skilled artisans, allowing flexibility while maintaining structural integrity. Cushions are produced using quick-dry foam and covered with outdoor-grade fabric to ensure performance in varying climates. The production process focuses on precision in the frame construction and consistency in handweaving to achieve both visual clarity and long-term use.
- Design Challenge
- The main challenge was translating a soft, organic concept into a structurally sound design suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Balancing visual lightness with durability required careful development of the aluminum frame and woven surfaces.
- Project Duration
- The Palm Collection was designed over a period of approximately 6–8 months. The design process was developed through collaboration between Denmark and Indonesia, combining conceptual development in Denmark with prototyping and production refinement in Indonesia.
- Operation Flow
- The Palm Collection offers two complementary ways of resting. The Palm Nest provides a stable, grounded seating experience on flat surfaces, while the Palm Swing is suspended from its stand, creating gentle movement that responds to the user body weight. Both pieces encourage intuitive interaction through supportive cushions and woven surfaces.
- Research
- The design development of the Palm Collection involved exploration of organic forms and their translation into functional seating. Research focused on the relationship between structure and softness, particularly how woven materials can provide both support and comfort. References were drawn from natural arrangements, such as the radial composition of leaves, as well as from Scandinavian design principles emphasizing clarity and usability. Material research included testing aluminum for lightweight strength and rope weaving techniques for flexibility and durability in both indoor and outdoor environments.
- Inspiration
- The Palm Collection draws inspiration from the form of nine leaves arranged like a bouquet, a natural symbol of balance and openness. This idea evolved into two expressions of comfort: the Palm Nest, resting gently on flat ground, and the Palm Swing, suspended from its sculptural stand. Rooted in Scandinavian clarity and tropical warmth, the collection reflects calmness, connection, and the quiet rhythm of nature.
Colors of Palm Collection Lounge Seating
Grand Interview about Palm Collection Lounge Seating
What I am most proud of in the Palm Collection is its ability to create two distinct emotional experiences within one cohesive design language. From the beginning, we wanted to explore comfort in different ways.The Palm Nest feels grounded, quiet, and protective, while the Palm Swing brings softness through gentle movement. This dialogue between stillness and motion became the heart of the collection, giving Palm Collection its emotional depth and making both pieces stronger together.
One of our main intentions with Palm Collection was to create a design that feels equally natural in both indoor and outdoor spaces. As the boundary between interior and exterior living becomes softer, we wanted the collection to respond to that shift.Balance guided every decision, from material selection to visual expression. Durable materials such as powder-coated aluminum, handwoven rope, and weather-resistant cushions ensure outdoor performance, while thoughtful proportions and soft textures keep the pieces warm and refined indoors. This balance allows Palm Collection to transition seamlessly across different environments.
For us, the combination of powder-coated aluminum and handwoven synthetic rope was never only a technical decision. It was about finding a balance between durability, responsibility, and human touch.Aluminum gives the Palm Collection a strong and long-lasting structure. Its durability and resistance to outdoor conditions help extend the life of the product, which we believe is an important part of sustainability. A product that is designed to last reduces the need for frequent replacement and encourages more mindful consumption.At the same time, the handwoven rope brings something equally valuable that cannot be achieved by machines alone. It carries the skill, patience, and sensitivity of the artisans who craft each piece. This human element adds warmth and character, making every piece feel more personal.I believe responsible design today is not only about choosing durable materials, but also about preserving craftsmanship and creating products with lasting emotional value. When people feel connected to an object, they are more likely to care for it and keep it for a long time. In that sense, longevity is both physical and emotional.
Receiving the Silver A’ Design Award was a meaningful recognition for Palm Collection, affirming our belief that outdoor furniture should not compromise between beauty and performance. The collection combines durable materials such as powder-coated aluminum and handwoven rope with a calm sculptural presence that enhances both comfort and atmosphere.The award also carries special meaning as Palm Collection was one of the final collaborations with Finn Østergård. For Libra by Palma International, this recognition reinforces our commitment to thoughtful, enduring design and meaningful collaboration.
One of the biggest challenges in developing the Palm Collection was translating an organic form inspired by the radial arrangement of nine leaves into a structure that feels light yet remains durable. We wanted to preserve the softness and openness of the design while ensuring it could withstand long-term indoor and outdoor use.This required careful refinement of proportions, structure, and materials. Through this process, we learned that furniture today must do more than function well, it should also create comfort, emotion, and a meaningful connection with its users.
The development of Palm Collection was a meaningful exchange between Scandinavian design thinking and Indonesian craftsmanship. Finn Østergård brought a clear design vision rooted in simplicity, proportion, and functional beauty, while our Indonesian team contributed deep material knowledge and hands-on craftsmanship, especially in weaving and production techniques.This dialogue shaped many decisions throughout the process, from refining the proportions to selecting materials that could balance durability with warmth. The result is a collection that carries Scandinavian clarity while preserving the richness and human touch of Indonesian craftsmanship.
Developing the Palm Swing required careful prototyping to achieve the right balance between movement, comfort, and stability. We tested the relationship between the aluminum stand, suspension points, and woven seat through multiple adjustments in proportions and weight distribution.The goal was to create a gentle, controlled motion rather than a dramatic swinging effect. Small refinements in angle, structure, and seating depth helped ensure the movement feels calm, supportive, and intuitive, allowing users to feel relaxed and secure while using the piece.
The woven surface of Palm Collection is shaped not only by material selection, but also by the hands that craft it. The synthetic rope is woven manually by skilled artisans in Indonesia, requiring precision, consistency, and careful attention to tension to achieve both comfort and structural support.Beyond technical execution, the artisans contributed something less measurable but equally important: sensitivity. Their experience influenced the rhythm, texture, and overall character of the weave, adding warmth and subtle variation that gives each piece a more human and authentic presence.
The inspiration of nine leaves arranged like a bouquet guided the Palm Collection from the very beginning, not only as a visual reference but as a principle of balance, openness, and harmony. In the early stages, it influenced the overall silhouette and radial composition of the seating form.As the design developed, the inspiration became less literal and more embedded in the proportions, curves, and spatial experience of the pieces. It was no longer about representing leaves directly, but about translating their natural rhythm into a form that feels embracing, light, and calm.
My advice to emerging designers is to stay curious and patient with the process. Good design rarely comes from chasing trends or rushing toward a final result. It grows through observation, experimentation, and a deep respect for both materials and craftsmanship.I also believe meaningful design happens when you stay open to collaboration and cultural exchange. Listen to the people involved in making the work, because design becomes richer when different perspectives come together. In the end, the most lasting designs are often the ones that create not only function, but also emotional connection and a sense of belonging.