What does the word ‘sea’ mean to you? What does it make you think of?? There will be many different answers, but I assume almost all of them will be positive.

Peace and quietness, freedom, serenity, fun, beauty, life, happy summer days and long-awaited vacation, daydreaming, power, inspiration, a sense of natural happiness like splashing waves, breeze and seagulls.

We can add one more – the Sea chaise-longue is part of the outdoor collection Vessel by ALBORNO/GRILZ, living and working in the charming beach town of Bordighera between Ventimiglia and Sanremo. In this creative atmosphere, Fabrizio Alborno, architect, designer and painter, supported by his wife Ginevra Grilz, is bringing his talent around the Mediterranean and further afield!

There’s no concrete definition of creativity, but most experts agree it’s got something to do with the ability to come up with new ideas, new links between ideas, and novel solutions to problems.

There’s no two ways about it: Italians do design best, smart and stylish furniture has always been a pinnacle of them. Sure, the Scandinavians might be up there, and French and German designers are definitely some of the best, but as pioneers of modern furniture, the Italians can easily take the crown as royalty of the design world, they achieve timelessness while staying relevant for today’s consumer.

The Italian furniture brand ALBORNO/GRILZ was created in 2007 by architect Fabrizio Alborno and designer Ginevra Grilz, who produce unique, handcrafted, high-quality furniture. We are more than delighted to count Fabrizio among the winners of the German Design Award 2019 and congratulate them – hip hip hurray, just be happy!

The German Design Award is the prize that visualizes success and directly contributes to the overall commercial success. Prizes will only be awarded to projects that truly represent pioneering contributions to the German and international design landscape. The highly esteemed international jury guarantees this. The German Design Award identifies and presents unique design trends: a competition that advances the design-oriented scene.

The Sea chaise-longue is the ultimate expression of a design based on the philosophy of dematerialization. The shape, massive and assembled with bolts and screws that have been left exposed, is the protagonist. Supporting structure in tubular metal, wooden panels bolted together with visible joints and cotton or leather cushions. The whole structure can be completely disassembled and each element can be identified and traced in its original state. Made from pure galvanised iron and wood strips in natural oak, mahogany and wenge, the seat pillows are available in brown cotton, and the steel frame is available in brick red, dove grey and anthracite; part of the very popular Vessel collection.

The creative couple have had plenty of national and international recognition for their work including:

– A’Design Award –Gold Winner in Furniture, Decorative and Homeware Design Category, 2013 (Sgabello Barbecue)
– IDA International Design Award – Honorable Mention Interior Furniture 2014 – Sgabello Barbecue – Los Angeles
– APDF Asian Pacific Design Award 2015 Winner – Design Excellence Award
–Shangai (Vessel Collection)
– European Product Design Award 2018 Winner –ADAM Brussels Design Museum (Chaise longue SEA) – Bruxelles
– German Design Award 2019 Winner – Excellent Product Design Furniture ( chaise longue SEA – Vessel Collection) – Frankfurt

This is not just an award but also a true manifesto that Fabrizio and his wife dedicate to the world of creativity.

If you are looking to renovate your apartment or house, or add some creative element to your existing space, don’t hesitate to contact Fabrizio and Ginevra – they would be more happy to give you a helping and very professional hand!

All photos courtesy Fabrizio Alborno; lead image by Matteo Carassale