The generous vitality of the Jun seating emerges from its outdoor milieu in total harmony with its natural context. The warm depth of the joyous green energises the dynamic volumes of the oversized cushions, sympathetically reflecting the rich gamut of the surrounding shrubbery. The soft expanse of the sofa is defined by the reassuring outline of the teak frame, its curved, slim, gently crafted expression further tempering the archetypal formality of the design. It is by deliberately scrutinising this tension between restraint and indulgence, structure and softness, and poise and intimacy that the Jun Collection by Marco Acerbis, the latest addition to Talenti’s outdoor portfolio, arrives at the eponymous state of unbound purity.
This dynamic pull of opposing elements and proportions, aptly embodied by the interplay between the voluminousness of the cushions and the deliberately pared-back vernacular of the timber framing, brings a sense of rudimental balance to the collection. The dimension of the natural teak structure is masterfully minimised to seamlessly fuse into the fabric of backrest and armrest upholstery in an unsuccessful attempt to disappear entirely. The subtle sartorial detailing of the armrest’s fabric bands intentionally conceals the slim frame, which – alongside the lowered form of the backrest – quietly reinforces the comforting language of the upholstered expanse.
This emerging silhouette – grounded by the firm geometry of the inconspicuous frame and stretched out fabric, and invigorated by the dynamic fluidity of its volumes – highlights Acerbis’ unwavering commitment to his craft. “I wanted something that gave a sense of softness but remained sufficiently parallel to the ground without becoming too exuberant,” explains the ingenious designer, who was recently honoured with the prestigious Compasso d’Oro ADI award for his innovative MR X shading structure created in collaboration with Talenti. “It was not a very quick and easy process.”
Acerbis’ considered gesture imbues Jun with a sense of profoundly rehearsed semi-dimensionality defined by the suppleness of shapes and succinct spatial expression; a harmonious balance that extends beyond the signature seating. The Jun family encompasses a complete range of outdoor furnishings, including lounge chairs, coffee tables and dining elements, all unified by the same purposeful design language, attentive craftsmanship and sincere materiality.
Dining chairs mirror the sofa’s sartorial detailing and reassuring expression of the pared-back timber frame, while the tables lean further into the organic gentleness of round forms, while maintaining their own, individual personalities. The dining table design, in particular, is elevated by the integration of a new porcelain stoneware top. Juxtaposing the matte quality of natural teak, this glass-like detail reinforces Jun’s compelling duality, while the legs, intentionally set back from the tabletop, enhance visual harmony and available leg room in the effort to maximise comfort.
This delightfully resonant design language is deeply rooted in Jun’s very identity, aptly encapsulated by the name which translates as “pure and sincere” in Japanese. For Acerbis, the collection represents a commitment to genuine, somewhat immediate design that rejects the superfluous to clearly express the confluence of form and comfort, and this ethos is epitomised by Jun’s expressive volumes just as much as its colour palette. A carefully curated selection of vibrant blues, greens and beiges harmonises with the honesty of natural teak, while fostering a powerful connection with the colouring of the natural world. Selected by Talenti and Acerbis, these hues infuse the collection with a genuine sense of vitality that establishes a joyful dialogue with its locale, as each piece becomes a natural extension of the garden, the patio or the poolside it amicably occupies.
This symbiotic relationship with the outdoors is reinforced by the inherent durability of the materials. The choice of natural teak, paired with fabrics specifically selected for their resistance to UV rays and adverse weather, ensures the collection’s enduring robustness against the elements.
By masterfully interrogating the tension between sculpted formality and enveloping comfort, Jun culminates in a vision of vitality, generosity and outdoor life designed for pure enjoyment. Rather than a collection of outdoor furniture, Acerbis’ meticulous designs read as an immersive invitation to step outside and connect with nature in a space defined by understated beauty and enduring quality, promising moments of serenity in the open air.
