Made up of a die-cast aluminium frame with slats in ash wood, the range is crafted from honest materials selected for their ability to withstand the elements and develop a natural patina. In the designer’s own words: “You could leave it anywhere and it will age very nicely - Traverse will enjoy the rain and the sun, and step by step it will start to melt into the space.”
The choice of heat-treated ash results in robust pieces of furniture that become more beautiful over time. “Teak wood and other rainforest woods are excellent for outdoor use, but it is not neccessarily a responsible material choice,” says Rolf Hay, co-founder of HAY. “Believe it or not, this is actually ash wood, which normally has a lighter colour, but by heating it, it turns brown, drawing out weatherproof qualities and allowing the furniture to better withstand the outdoors.”