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12 August 2024 | Product story

How pared-down outdoor spaces improve our mental well-being

Italian company Corradi has been designing and manufacturing bespoke outdoor solutions since 1978, spearheading industry innovation 26 years ago with its Pergotenda® folding roof system. And now Corradi has done it again with its Butterfly. Commercial director Stefano Sghedoni lifts a tip of the veil.

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What makes Butterfly different from existing systems?

“We used a pantograph system for the new Butterfly folding roof system. The retractable scissor arm system consists of aluminium rods that support the canvas tubes and fold upwards, freeing the entire space underneath. When fully folded, the fabric takes up 40% less space than the same-sized Pergotenda® system. The name Butterfly refers to the butterfly-like movements of the fabric as it opens and closes."

Is this innovative folding fabric available in combination with all your pergolas?

“Initially, our intention was to launch Butterfly in combination with Alba, our flagship product, which, until now, has always come with slats. Alba Butterfly combines elegant aesthetics with well-thought-through functionality. The water drainage system and perimeter gutter can absorb up to six times more rain than required, and the continuous laminated pipes add strength. Because the fabric is constructed coplanar with the perimeter gutter, the risk of rainwater dripping into the pergola is drastically reduced. The streamlined pillars, which are just 11 centimetres wide, add lightness, making the pergola blend into its surroundings.”

How does Alba Butterfly respond to contemporary trends?

“At product level, we offer customers the option to customise their pergolas with LED lighting, accessories, and a range of colours that draw inspiration from nature. Conceptually, Alba Butterfly responds to the increasing desire to live outdoors and connect with nature as much as possible. Alba Butterfly is also perfect for a hospitality environment because one four-pillar module can span between 550 and as much as 715 centimetres. Thanks to the glass walls, customers can still sit outdoors on the terrace in any season even though they are inside.”

Why do we attach more importance to outdoor living nowadays?

“Around the world, people increasingly feel the need for physical and mental regeneration, with nature becoming a catalyst for our well-being. In addition to preferring travel destinations where open spaces, nature and pared-down design inspire peace of mind, people also seek to blend nature and architecture harmoniously in their own living environment. At home and work, outdoor spaces offer a sense of serenity and calm, giving you a break from your hectic life so you can feel re-energised. By blurring boundaries between the indoors and outdoors, you get a sense of freedom, and it is also the ideal setting for socialising.”

What does this innovation mean for Corradi?

“Butterfly marks a new chapter in our history. It demonstrates our intention to keep innovating in response to market needs. That is why we believe it is important to always remain inquisitive and focus on trends from outside our industry. We are proud that our products bear the Made in Italy label in an international, ever-changing context. Our desire to transform and innovate outdoor spaces has now been awarded the R+T Innovation Award in the Outdoor category at the prestigious R+T trade fair in Stuttgart, which only strengthens our belief in Alba Butterfly. This new product is helping us to achieve our mission, namely to turn every outdoor space into a living space.”

About NOA:

NOA outdoor living is an experience park for outdoor design in Kruisem. In the theme gardens, you can find inspiration to decorate your garden. These gardens combine architecture, landscape, and interior, and welcome architects, landscape architects, designers, and contractors as well as private prospects. In this inspiration park, you will find luxurious garden furniture and designs by more than 30 high-end partners, who are happy to advise you as you bring your dream garden to life. Moreover, the park is the perfect professional networking location; the conference rooms, covered patio, spacious showroom, and plaza of NOA outdoor living are the ideal setting for your conference, product presentation, or product launch.


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