The Mena Collection by Franco Crea

Words by Liz Barrett
Photography by Alex Reinders
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Mena Collection, Franco Crea.

The Local Marketplace in collaboration with Catapult Design proudly presents this impressive product range. This is the first sofa setting for Melbourne-based designer Franco Crea – the result, a refined and sophisticated furniture collection.

Crea describes the Mena sofa as “an assertive, structured piece but soft and warming. Full of beautiful detail and technical execution.” The fully-upholstered sofa and armchair have been thoughtfully designed for residential interiors, as well as commercial and hospitality spaces. The lean profile of the sofa and armchair gives it a light aesthetic, making it ideal for smaller spaces where comfort and style cannot be compromised. Mena is a functional collection that suits multiple environments, both as a standalone sofa or as part of a setting.

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Perfect pairings – TheMena Armchair and Sofa.
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Mena Armchair, shown in aniline leather with the satin micro ledge.
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Each piece has been meticulously designed with distinct detailing, geometric lines and diamond hand-stitched quilting. Every aspect of the collection has been considered, including the addition of a functional and detachable metal ‘Micro Ledge’, which can be added to the timber arm, allowing the sitter easy access to a phone or beverage.

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Mena Armchair, shown in wool/alpaca blend with the nero micro ledge.
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The oblique timber arms have been designed using concealed magnetic fasteners. This unique technology offers unrestricted access to the frame, offering flexibility that means each item can be freighted without damage and can also be reupholstered with ease, if ever required. In another deliberate approach to the design, the timber arms are sustainably manufactured. To minimise the wastage, they are made during the production of Crea’s other timber projects. Cleverly, this also unifies his collections, as the timber detailing works back with the existing timber furniture pieces.

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The timber arms are attached using concealed magnetic fasteners.
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Available nationally from Catapult Design, based in Sydney’s Ultimo, the Mena collection comes in a variety of materials and finishes. The upholstery has the option of aniline leather or a wool/alpaca blend, both available in a selection of colours. The solid timber arms are available in American oak, American walnut and a flat suede coated finish. The Micro Ledge is an optional removable addition to the Mena collection. The Micro Ledge comes in polished stainless steel or a matte bead-blasted finish, and in solid brass with finishes available in satin, bronze or nero. Catapult Design was founded in 2013 to support emerging local designers, working directly with local manufacturing. Catapult prides itself on representing authentic Australian products that are made from quality, durable materials. Catapult has fast built its reputation as a springboard for local independent furniture and lighting designers, making its way into discerning residential homes and commercial design projects.

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Mena Armchair, shown in aniline leather with the bronze micro ledge.
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A credit to local craftsmanship, Franco Crea is committed to using the highest-quality manufacturing techniques combined with beautiful hand-finished upholstery. The complex design of the Mena collection delivers precisely what you want in a sofa set: unmistakable beauty and undeniable comfort. Mena sets a new benchmark in luxury and elegance.

The Mena collection can be viewed and purchased online at The Local Marketplace.

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Distinct details - diamond hand-stitched quilting.