In recent years, gardens, terraces and open spaces have taken on a new role. They are no longer merely spaces to be furnished, but places to be lived in. Spaces where design becomes the conduit for a deeper relationship: the ancient yet ever-relevant bond between humanity and nature. Seating, tables and surfaces – elements that are only seemingly ordinary – are thus transformed into tools through which to experience the landscape, slow down the pace of daily life and rediscover a more authentic sense of time.
The outdoors becomes a sensory realm where interior and exterior interact without barriers, and domestic comfort meets the spontaneity of the natural environment. In this setting, materials take centre stage. Natural woods, stones, weathered metals and technical fabrics interact with light, air and climate, giving rise to surfaces that change with the passing of the hours and seasons. It is precisely this material dimension – made up of tactility, imperfections and nuances – that defines the aesthetics of the contemporary outdoors: a design language that celebrates direct contact with the elements and invites us to experience the open space as a natural extension of living.
When nature meets the sea, this dialogue becomes even more intense. The horizon widens, the wind enters the scene, light multiplies on the water and the salt air becomes part of the experience. Materials and forms must contend with extreme conditions, but also with a powerful imagery of freedom, travel and contemplation. Surfaces capture the sea’s reflections, absorb the rhythm of the waves and narrate the passing of time. In these settings, furniture does not merely occupy the space: it accompanies it, transforming decks, sea-facing terraces or beach clubs into places where design becomes part of the landscape experience.
As we await the new releases from the 65th edition of the Salone del Mobile in Milan, many of which will also feature in the spaces and interiors of boats, Varaschin, KE and Piscine Castiglione have launched Dialogues on Contemporary Outdoor Design, a forum dedicated to the evolution of outdoor living. An opportunity to analyse the languages, materials and design visions that are redefining the way we inhabit outdoor spaces. Three companies, three different yet complementary approaches that in recent years have helped chart new paths in the world of outdoor design.
While Varaschin explores the relationship between nature and design, KE, a brand of the FrontYard Group and an international benchmark in the world of sun protection, interprets the outdoors as a true architectural device capable of engaging with the landscape. This is demonstrated by the project carried out at Casa Guargnè, a boutique hotel nestled in the Ampezzo valley, in Cortina d’Ampezzo.
Here, architects Ambra Piccin and Christian Siorpaes, together with the KE Contract division, have transformed a typical mountain structure into a contemporary retreat where architecture and landscape blend naturally. The objective was as simple as it was ambitious: to create a panoramic veranda offering guests a sweeping view of the valley whilst ensuring comfort and protection all year round. The solution takes the form of a bespoke project spanning approximately one hundred square metres across two terraces.
At Casa Guargné, the reception area features the Kedry Prime bioclimatic pergola, designed to adapt to the trapezoidal geometry of the space and create a bright, welcoming environment. The main terrace, on the other hand, is covered by Kedry Skylife, a system with adjustable and retractable louvers that allows for a fully open view of the sky. Completing the project are the Screeny Tens shading systems, conceived to modulate light and privacy, while the Carbon finish interacts with the building’s materials, enhancing its contemporary character.
The outdoor spaces are furnished with Varaschin collections, with seating and sofas designed to invite relaxation and contemplation of the Dolomite landscape. The result is a refined balance between design, architecture, and technology. This direction is further reinforced by the new bioclimatic pergola developed by KE – an entirely in-house project that encapsulates the company’s technological expertise. A system designed to modulate light, shade, and ventilation in harmony with the rhythm of those who inhabit the space, transforming the outdoors into a dynamic and customizable environment.
Today more than ever, the outdoor space is taking shape as a livable landscape, where technical innovation and design sensibility forge new forms of relationship between architecture, nature and daily life. If design redefines the way we experience the outdoors, the theme of well-being in the open air becomes increasingly central. It is in this context that the new proposal from Piscine Castiglione fits, a company that has been exploring the relationship between water, architecture and quality of life for years.
With Milano Outdoor, the home of wellness expands beyond the swimming pool and introduces a new dimension of domestic relaxation. The sauna is designed to be installed directly in the garden or on a terrace, transforming the outdoor space into a veritable oasis dedicated to physical and mental balance. The design draws on the understated elegance of Piscine Castiglione’s indoor saunas and combines it with the finishes of the YouForest range, the collection of outdoor wellness structures designed for private spas and boutique hotels.
The result is a compact and refined structure, designed to blend naturally into the landscape. Available in three sizes and a range of finishes, Milano Outdoor can accommodate up to four people and offers extensive customisation options: ergonomic headrests, integrated audio systems and tinted glazing that ensures privacy without compromising the view of the garden. The installation is also designed to adapt easily to domestic spaces. Thanks to quick installation times, a patio or terrace can be transformed in no time into a small wellness suite. During each session, natural light and the landscape become part of the experience, amplifying the benefits of the heat and creating a rejuvenating ritual to be enjoyed in every season.
Matteo Zaccagnino
