I n d o o r vs . o u t d o o r
The name ‘Extremis’ is a free translation of ‘out
of the ordinary’ into Latin. ‘Out’ because all our
products were primarily designed to be used outdoors.
‘Ordinary’ because they exude humbleness and serve
their users rather than stealing the show themselves.
Because Extremis products are designed in this
particular way, they are perfectly suited to cross the
boundary between indoors and outdoors.
In fact, Extremis has always defied the notion that
outdoor furniture can only be used outdoors. In 1994,
when we just started, the outdoor design market was
still in its infancy. Design furniture was only used
indoors. Today, this imaginary boundary has almost
completely disappeared. As is clear from our current
product range, the interior is becoming an extension of
the garden and vice versa.
O rd i n a r y vs . ex t r a o rd i n a r y
Our tools for togetherness also have that extra some-
thing. That’s because we look at things differently.
Form follows function: we solve practical problems or
improve existing situations by ‘rethinking the box’. This
is why, from an aesthetic point of view, Extremis prod-
ucts aren’t afraid to be edgy, to contain a certain twist.
‘Strange looking but well-functioning’ is probably the
most common feedback we get from colleagues in the
course of a new design project. It’s that je ne sais quoi
that makes our products cross the threshold between
the ‘ordinary’ and the ‘extraordinary’.
In this way, we also find an equilibrium between the
familiar and the forward-thinking. We design for the
future, but keep our users’ worldviews firmly in mind.
We position ourselves right on the brink between the
conflicting forces of safety and excitement. The end
result is always something familiar, yet surprising.
Something undeniably innovative, yet acceptable.
As a result of this balance, Extremis’ furniture is
always ahead of its time. A new product is aimed at
early adopters, but in time, finds its way to a broader
audience.
The first condition for us to start
designing anything – and we
can’t stress this enough – is that
it solves a practical problem or
improves a specific situation.
Pantagruel and Inumbra at Alheembouw
headquarters by B2Ai.
Extremis
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