More and more, we’re turning our attention to bringing the indoors out for the pleasure of fresh air and to relax closer to nature. Let’s face it though – Singapore’s tropical climate can be more than a little challenging with witheringly hot days on months on end.

Recent innovation to research and development processes within our A+D community has been concerned with ways in which we can respond to extreme conditions. For instance, Urban Commons – the proudlyAustralian-made and owned furnishing brand established in 2011 – understands that central to designing for the outdoors is the need to consider endurance as a key element in the design process. Their recent Raft Collection by Justin Hutchison for Stylecraft takes materiality one step beyond ‘longevity’ to really respond to what endurance might mean under high temperatures and a harsh outdoor environment.

Featuring heat-retardant mild steel zinc powder coating, the Raft Collection of modular seating options is rigorously tested for superior anti-corrosive powers. High-purity fine-grained zinc particles doubly prevent the eroding properties of salt, long-term rust and sun bleaching. Coupled with the hard wood element of Australian Spotted Gum slats, the Raft Collection withstands extreme weather while remaining just at home on balconies or rooftop gardens as well as residential or commercial spaces.

Designed to promote the ‘common spirit’ of connecting people with one another and their environment, the collection’s adaptability allows for multiple configurations thanks to various length platforms, high or low backrests, accompanying tables, slide armrests and planter boxes. All upholstered elements adhere to the demanding R+D standards of engineering Stylecraft is known for: the robust performance characteristics of textiles that are resistant to fading, degradation, sunlight and chemical exposure.