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Tradition meets innovation in Baya’s new stand-out outdoor range, which sees artisanal handwoven techniques applied to cutting-edge materials in a series of sustainable outdoor rugs that withstand the elements.
The Auckland-based brand is known and respected for its use of natural fibres, woven into rugs, cushions and other soft furnishings. And while these textiles – including wool – are beautifully suited for indoor spaces, they’re not as workable in the great outdoors. “The need to create an outdoor collection constantly came up with our customers and we saw it as a really exciting prospect,” says David Heath, Baya’s director and head of product. “However, we knew that natural fibres would struggle to hold up outdoors.”
Like all of Baya’s other designs, the new outdoor collection is handwoven in India by artisanal craftspeople employing traditional techniques.
Baya has now launched an innovative pair of outdoor rugs, Pelorus and Lonsdale, made from recycled textiles. While the company remains firm in its commitment to natural textiles, this collection is, by necessity, crafted using synthetics – but the range pulls double duty, not only helping the team hit their sustainability goals but also offering customers products that will endure what the elements throw at them.
Like all of Baya’s other designs, the new outdoor collection is handwoven in India by artisanal craftspeople employing traditional techniques. The rugs are created using Global Recycled Standard-certified (GRS) PET, a material made from plastic bottles that have been redirected from landfill.
Baya’s signature neutral colour palette has been retained, aligning with the brand’s indoor rug ranges. Both Pelorus and Lonsdale are flatweaves, creating the perfect minimalist backdrop to a variety of alfresco settings. They’re of such a high quality, they needn’t be confined to the outdoors. “The hand feel truly is amazing, so much so that we often spec these into higher-traffic indoor areas as well because they feel great underfoot,” says Heath.
While the new collection solves the problem of how to transition Baya’s products from the indoors to the outdoors, it’s also a striking example of how the company balances its commitments to tradition and craftsmanship with sustainability by harnessing innovative practices and technologies. “It’s a beautiful juxtaposition that we’ve decided to really lean into,” says Hannah Middleton from Baya’s product design team.
It’s a clear intention that Baya is thinking about the future and its sustainability strategy. “We’ll continue to champion natural textiles, in particular New Zealand wool, and are doing a lot of background work regarding transparency and supply chain,” says Heath. “That being said, recycled plastics have a large place in Baya’s long-term strategy, too,” he adds. “It makes sense for us, especially Down Under, where we love to entertain outdoors.”
