Classic with a Twist – Tectona

Words by Chantelle Fausset
In Partnership with Classic with a Twist

Founded in 1977, Tectona creates stylish and durable outdoor furniture that is designed to be passed from one generation to the next. From its early days, the French company was inspired by British garden furniture, often crafted from teak, and derives its name from the botanical name for teak, Tectona grandis.

Grounded in a passion for high-quality craftsmanship, Tectona works primarily with natural, recycled or recyclable materials including wood, woven resin and aluminium, used alone and in combination. A master in the construction techniques for all three materials, Tectona creates durable furniture with a minimal environmental footprint and in-built resistance to sun, rain, wind and ocean air.

Grounded in a passion for high-quality craftsmanship, Tectona works primarily with natural, recycled or recyclable materials including wood, woven resin and aluminium, used alone and in combination.

The success of Tectona is entwined with the history of contemporary design, yet the company finds unique expression with long-lasting and innovative pieces. Tectona’s bestselling collection, 1800, is inspired by neoclassical French furniture from the late 1700s, notably a wrought-iron bench previously owned by Madeleine Castaing, a central figure in the Montparnasse scene in the 20th-century interwar period. A patron of painters Amedeo Modigliani and Chaïm Soutine, the accomplished decorator forged a confident and flamboyant style, exercising her talents in projects for significant figures of the day, including Jean Cocteau and Francine Weisweiller.

From a single piece in Madeleine Castaing’s collection, the 1800 range has grown to a complete offering of furniture and accessories, constructed from lacquered aluminium. Its design is characterised by rigorous contours tempered by the curvature of the backrest, together with a signature nub motif at the intersections of the various aluminium components. The blue-grey colour, created by Tectona specifically for this collection, imparts a soft and soothing gleam.

The success of Tectona is entwined with the history of contemporary design, yet the company finds unique expression with long-lasting and innovative pieces.

Available in Australia at Classic with a Twist, Tectona’s flagship collection has flourished with the constant addition of new designs that illustrate the brand’s classic style.