claudio bellini mirrors pugliese landscape with natuzzi solar collection

natuzzi italia‘s the circle of harmony collection is a search for balance and perfection. it seeks to define an ecosystem of design that displays a homage to beauty, inclusiveness, and the comparison between different creative interpretations of the renowned made-in-puglia brand. as such, the theme welcomes eight designers including marcantonio, claudio bellini, nika zupanc, maurizio manzoni, BYBORRE, mauro lipparini, paola navone, and fabio novembre. the designs blend the character of their designer with ethics, aesthetics, style, function, colors and materials true to natuzzi italia. these range from sofas to modular seating systems and from beds to table, lamps, and even a specific upholstery textile.

as a collaborator for over 20 years, claudio bellini’s deep understanding of the brand, its value and lifestyles comes to fruition again with the natuzzi italia solar collection. designboom travelled to the brand’s home in puglia to find our more about the design, process, and its relationship in the circle of harmony.

the ‘pablo’ modular seating system
all images courtesy of natuzzi italia

‘the spirit of the whole collection was to find and reflect an affinity to puglia – my strong relationship to this land. I used to visit here when I was a young boy, my wedding took place here, and I have since travelled it even more extensively. the nature of this region has an acute sympathy to raw materials, which can be seen in the architecture here,’ explains claudio bellini to designboom.

the natuzzi italia solar collection, designed by claudio bellini, is an open tribute to puglia. it evokes the essence of mediterranean culture and tradition, the harmony and beauty of the region’s nature. it combines memories and inspirations as it captures the energy of puglia in every aspect from its materials to form.

the ‘pablo’ modular seating system

comprising a couch, bed, dining table and coffee tables, the natuzzi italia solar collection is characterized by soft, welcoming and inviting curves that shape its otherwise minimalist designs. lively colors and natural materials underlines its inspiration; a spectrum of hues and reflective surfaces allude to the red shades of earth, white of the stone, green of the bush, yellow of the wheat, and blue of the sea in and surrounding puglia.

‘taking such inspiration from one region – puglia – can become a challenge. how can the joy and sunshine of this land translate into a product that sits in an apartment in new york, for example. the goal is to find an equilibrium between the inspirations and the final product,’ affirms the designer.

the ‘pablo’ modular seating system

‘pablo’ is a modular sofa system that distinguishes an intriguing play of heights and geometries. together with backrests of varying volumes, it supports multiple angular and linear configurations to guarantee maximum comfort in any space and use. a contemporary look is still delivered, though. thin, elegant armrests are embellished with pewter-coated satin metal rings on both sides. the sculptured feet match this same finish. the design can also include a gray lacquered wooden shelf and a table with a top made of extra white tempered glass.

‘with pablo, we kept it simple with soft lines that resemble rocks smoothed by the water,’ explains claudio. ‘these pure volumes have been enhanced by metal staples that add power to the overall composition. I like how it creates a landscape of its own – one that allows the inhabitant to feel comfortable.’

the ‘briq’ bed

as a statement of comfort and function, the ‘briq’ bed balances an essential design with a generous headboard with a covered back. it is softly padded and marked by rigorous vertical seams to make its appearance more refined. available in four sizes, the bed can be upholstered in either fabric or leather.

the ‘briq’ bed

the ‘ombra’ dining table is another refined piece of the natuzzi italia solar collection. natural materials combine with more industrial elements to define a minimal yet strong aesthetic. its asymmetrical supporting curved wooden leg, tobacco ash wood-finished top and reflective metal base highlight the traditional yet always pioneering craftsmanship of the brand and its makers. the design is available in two different sizes to ensure it is versatile to fit both living rooms as well as contemporary working spaces.

‘the ombra is a monolithic base that, together with a suspended top, expresses the force and primordial energy of this land. it is exactly what I was looking for: a pure, clear idea made of only a few elements,’ remarks the designer.

the ‘ombra’ dining table

completing the collection, the ‘frost’ coffee tables draw inspiration from drops of dew seen on spring flowers. the design mirrors these soft, sinuous shapes and its lightness, especially noticeable with its glass top. the base is then crafted from warm gray fossena stone. sophisticated and elegant, the furnishing comes in various heights and sizes to meet different needs and functions.

the ‘frost’ coffee tables