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GamFratesi’s Iconic Beetle + Bat Dining Chairs Meet the Great Outdoors

07.14.21 | By
GamFratesi’s Iconic Beetle + Bat Dining Chairs Meet the Great Outdoors

Two of GUBI’s most popular dining chairs, Beetle and Bat designed by GamFratesi, are now available for outdoor use. “The Beetle and Bat Chairs are timeless and well-proportioned but, at the same time, each has a distinct design signature of its own. The outdoor furniture editions of the Beetle and Bat Chairs mark an important move for GUBI into outdoor furniture,” says Jacob Gubi, Owner & Creative Director at GUBI.

Both chair designs reference strong but graceful elements of the two creatures they’re named for, now in informal molded polypropylene versions that invite an ease of use thanks to their light weight. The way the legs merge into the shell are meant to reflect a branching tree. The outer shell of the Beetle Dining Chair features a continuous, curvilinear form that gently flexes in response to even small movements of the body. The silhouette of the Bat Dining Chair reflects webbed bat wings, viewed as a continuous oval line from above.

three chairs and table on balcony

What makes these editions of Beetle and Bat suitable for the outdoors are special UV additives in the molded polypropylene shell that help prevent the color from fading due to weather. This strengthens the polypropylene molecules, protecting against UV radiation from sunlight that can degrade plastics. Just like the indoor editions, the Beetle and Bat Outdoor Collection is designed for disassembly and fully recyclable.

Available in two colors, New Beige and Alabaster White, both chairs easily fit into a variety of public and private spaces. Add an optional seat cushion upholstered in outdoor fabric for additional comfort. The cushion is the same for both chairs and can be used on the indoor editions as well.

four chairs outdoors against green foliage

Both the Beetle and the Bat Dining Chairs were inspired by nature, so we are delighted that they can now be used outdoors and return to their natural habitat. It has been humbling to watch them populate so many different spaces across the world, and this outdoor edition simply opens up more doors to them.

– Stine Gam and Enrico Fratesi of GamFratesi

three chairs and table on a deck

white chair in a field

three chairs in a field

two chairs on a rocky beach

two chairs on a rocky beach

chair on rocky beach

Stine Gam and Enrico Fratesi

Enrico Fratesi and Stine Gam

To learn more about the Beetle and Bat outdoor editions, visit gubi.com.

Kelly Beall is Director of Branded Content at Design Milk. The Pittsburgh-based writer and designer has had a deep love of art and design for as long as she can remember, from Fashion Plates to MoMA and far beyond. When not searching out the visual arts, she's likely sharing her favorite finds with others. Kelly can also be found tracking down new music, teaching herself to play the ukulele, or on the couch with her three pets – Bebe, Rainey, and Remy. Find her @designcrush on social.