Introducing Zephyr Lounger by Charles Wilson for Tait

A ‘Zephyr’ - often referred to in sailing where a yacht may catch a gentle, uplifting breeze - is a phenomenon that draws parallels to the windswept, graceful lines of the Zephyr Lounger. The nautically- influenced piece by celebrated Australian designer, Charles Wilson, sets sail on his debut release for leading Australian outdoor furniture manufacturer, Tait. Where elegance meets cool comfort and lazing the day away in the Zephyr Lounger might lead you to believe you were gliding through the Whitsundays on a yacht.

A collaboration between celebrated Australian designer, Charles Wilson (who has worked with the likes of Herman Miller and Menu), and leading Australian outdoor furniture manufacturer, Tait, has been a long time coming. Debuting his latest work with the brand, the Zephyr Lounger brings Wilson’s distinctive fluid forms and ergonomic finesse to Tait’s range of robust outdoor products. “I’ve always admired Charles’ highly sophisticated work and was excited to see how the design could translate into Tait’s range,” explains Tait’s Founding Director, Gordon Tait.

The graceful, windswept lines of seat and backrest take on a sail-like pose and create the framework for form-fitting upholstery. “I thought it would be a good idea to explore designing a modern sling-style lounger, in principle not too different from your classic camping chairs (which were very comfortable), though something a little more elegant,” explains Wilson on his conceptualisation of the lounger. “There’s undoubtedly a strong nautical connection with the piece, it was intentional. Even down to the way the woven rope detail provides tension to the seat and backrest, it reminds me of the rigging on a yacht,” Charles continues.

Tait Zephyr Lounger with low-back in Sunbrella Marine ‘Heather Beige’ and Paperbark textured powder coat, designed by Charles Wilson.

“There’s undoubtedly a strong nautical connection with the piece, it was intentional. Even down to the way the woven rope detail provides tension to the seat and backrest, it reminds me of the rigging on a yacht”

CHARLES WILSON, DESIGNER

Offering intuitive and forgiving support at all the right touch points, the Zephyr Lounger provides elevated, ergonomic comfort in the outdoors. Through the slightly accentuated recline and tensioned sling-style canvas, both lower back and upper neck are gently cradled. Breathable marine-grade canvas and a gap between seat and backrest allow for air movement through the piece. Even in the presence of a gentle breeze on a hot day, the lounger keeps you cool and comfortable.

Another notable feature of the design is the die-cast stainless steel armrests which ground the piece both visually and physically, due to their considerable weight. In keeping with Wilson’s signature graceful line-work, armrests taper up organically from the leg, appearing at the ideal height to catch a perched elbow. The armrests also provide added support for users who may require assistance in standing up and out from the lounger.

Tait Zephyr Lounger with high-back and arms in Sunbrella Marine ‘Fern’ and Pale Eucalypt textured powder coat, and low-back in Sunbrella Marine ‘Heather Beige’ and Paperbark textured powder coat. Designed by Charles Wilson.

“We spent a considerable amount of time getting the upholstery just right. We’ve used the highest performing marine-grade canvas available on the market, with a proven track record for use in extreme marine applications (predominantly for ocean vessels, not coincidently). A lot of the outdoor fabrics of this grade can be very plastic-y and rigid, so it was imperative that the canvas offered breathability, malleability and softness to the touch. Factors which give the Zephyr its luxurious tactility, without compromising performance.” discusses Tait’s Creative Director, Susan Tait. “We’re really loving the matched tonal pairings of the canvas with our textured powder coat finishes. As always, we’ve drawn a lot of our colour inspiration from Australian nature. We’ve focused the offering on three colour-ways; Blue-gum, Dunes and Grevillea,” Susan continues.

The Zephyr Lounger is offered in four options, low-back, high-back, with, or without arms. Featuring high-performance materiality to withstand extreme coastal conditions; the frame is formed stainless steel extrusion, the arms are manufactured with solid die-cast stainless steel, the canvas is marine-grade, and the frame may be finished in your choice of hard-wearing, exterior-grade and UV stable textured powder coat.

The Zephyr Lounger designed by Charles Wilson for Tait is now available to order.

Tait Zephyr Lounger with low-back in Sunbrella Marine ‘Heather Beige’ and Paperbark textured powder coat. Designed by Charles Wilson.

Tait Zephyr Lounger with high-back and arms in Sunbrella Marine ‘Fern’ and Pale Eucalypt textured powder coat. Designed by Charles Wilson.

Tait Zephyr Lounger with high-back and arms in Sunbrella Marine ‘Fern’ and Pale Eucalypt textured powder coat. Designed by Charles Wilson.

Armrest detail of the Tait Zephyr Lounger with arms in Sunbrella Marine ‘Fern’ and Pale Eucalypt textured powder coat. Designed by Charles Wilson.

Tait Zephyr Lounger with low-back in Sunbrella Marine ‘Heather Beige’ and Paperbark textured powder coat, and Sunbrella Marine ‘Terracotta’ and Headland textured powder coat. Designed by Charles Wilson.

Tait Zephyr Lounger with high-back and arms in Sunbrella Marine ‘Fern’ and Pale Eucalypt textured powder coat, designed by Charles Wilson.

Tait’s Maker’s Mark appears on the arm and leg framework of the Zephyr Lounger.

Tait Zephyr Lounger in high-back with no arms in Sunbrella Marine ‘Charcoal’ and Black textured powdercoat. Designed by Charles Wilson.

Tait Zephyr Lounger designer, Charles Wilson.

Designer Profile

CHARLES WILSON, SYDNEY NSW

Raised on his family’s farm in Forbes, (Central New South Wales, Australia), Charles Wilson studied Industrial Design at University in Sydney, later maintaining his focus on furniture design. In speaking of his preference to design furniture, Wilson explains “in the digital age, it’s one of the few practices which truly addresses human factors due to the ergonomic considerations required of a piece”. Distinguishable by sophisticated ergonomics, fluid forms and sinuous lines, Wilson’s work reveals an inherent mid-century modern influence. Wilson has worked with some of the most renowned furniture houses internationally including; Herman Miller and Menu, and holds several accolades, including; The Australian Design Award for Menu, The Bombay Sapphire Design Award and Indesign Luminary.

Published 22 August 2021

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