Poliform Ketch sofa outdoor
The Ketch outdoor sofa, designed by Jean-Marie Massaud for Poliform, draws its defining character from the nautical world. The flexible backrest, supported by a solid iroko structure, evokes a sail stretched between the two masts of a boat, a visual metaphor that gives the collection its name and its identity. Generous cushioning, a robust timber frame and a fully removable cover system produce a sofa as well suited to sustained exterior use as it is to careful terrace curation.
Description
Design Inspiration & Philosophy
Massaud’s approach to Ketch centres on interpreting the forms and materials of seafaring into a functional exterior seating range. The iroko structure is essential and minimal, the sail like backrest reading as the defining element of the composition. Rather than decorating a conventional form, the collection is built around that single structural gesture, arriving at something genuinely original within the broader Poliform exterior offer. A canopy version extends the nautical reference further, adding curtained shelter through acrylic fibre panels on matt brown aluminium bars.
Solid Iroko Structure
The frame is constructed from solid iroko, a particularly hard wearing tropical timber treated with hydro oils to preserve its structural integrity and natural colour over time. Available in natural or black stained finish, the iroko provides a clearly articulated visual anchor for the piece. The timber’s inherent density and resistance to weathering make it an appropriate choice for exterior furniture intended for extended seasonal use across a wide range of conditions.
Flexible EVA Backrest
The backrest is formed from colour stained EVA, a flexible material that spans the iroko structure in a manner that directly recalls the taut geometry of a sail. Available in oliva, testa di moro and ghiaccio, the EVA introduces a distinct material contrast against the timber frame while maintaining the sail like form under use over time. The backrest’s flexibility is a functional quality as much as a visual one, the material responding naturally without distorting its shape.
Cushioning & Drawstring Detail
Seat and back cushions are padded in recycled PET polyester with a polyurethane insert, with a polyester fibre pre-covering and heat sealed stitching for form retention across both sofa widths. Covers are fully removable and produced in outdoor specific fabrics. Decorative drawstring stitching with coloured yarn runs across the cushion face, a craft detail that adds character to the upholstered surfaces and reflects the Ketch collection’s interest in visible, honest construction.
Standard & Canopy Versions
The Ketch sofa is available in a standard linear configuration and a canopy version, the latter adding shelter through vertically sliding acrylic fibre curtains on matt brown aluminium bars. The canopy version maintains the collection’s material palette and structural logic while significantly extending usability across varied conditions, making it particularly suited to terraces requiring partial shade management or a degree of privacy screening within an open air living arrangement.
Configuration Options
The Ketch outdoor sofa is available in the following structures, backrest colours and cover combinations:
– Solid natural iroko, EVA oliva backrest, removable cover in karif 03 sabbia with coloured drawstring stitching
– Solid natural iroko, EVA ghiaccio backrest, removable cover in karif 02 burro with coloured drawstring stitching
– Solid black stained iroko, EVA testa di moro backrest, removable cover in merak 50 talpa with coloured drawstring stitching
– Solid black stained iroko, EVA ghiaccio backrest, removable cover in ghibli 04 sabbia with coloured drawstring stitching
– Available in W214cm and W260cm, and in standard or canopy version
Perfect For
– Terrace schemes centred on a sculptural seating piece with a strong and specific structural identity
– Coastal and waterside properties where a nautical design reference is entirely in its natural context
– Open air living areas requiring generous cushioned depth with weather resistant, removable covers
– Pairing with the Ketch armchair and iroko coffee tables for a complete exterior seating system
– Hospitality and contract terraces specifying a confirmed Massaud design with canopy shelter options
– Those drawn to visible craft detailing and the material contrast of timber, EVA and outdoor textile
With its sail like backrest and iroko frame, the Ketch sofa makes its nautical reference visible and deliberate, a rare exterior sofa with a genuinely individual architectural identity.
Discover the whole Poliform collection on the Poliform Houston website
