Kitschy orange fabrics, plush leather-like lounges, ace self-cleaning glass and grass-like carpets… we bring you four fantastic outdoorsy materials that are stunning to look at, but are rough ‘n’ tough too

Pilkington Activ
People in glass houses have to do a lot of cleaning. This can get especially annoying during the monsoons when your perfect vista is smudged with water stains. But fret no more! England-based Pilkington, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of glass and glazing products for building, automotive and related technical markets, has just the solution for you — Pilkington Activ. This range of self-cleaning glass employs the forces of nature to stay dirt-free. A unique, dual-action coating on its external surface uses a ‘photo-catalytic’ cleaning process during which the coating reacts with UV rays to break  down and loosen organic dirt. As Pilkington Activ is ‘hydropholic’, instead of forming droplets, the rainwater hits the glass and runs down evenly in ‘sheets’, washing off any  loosened dirt with it. Pilkington Activ also dries faster, leaving the glass cleaner and with reduced streaks. It is ideal in situations where cleaning is difficult or costly, such as  skyscrapers, glass roof structures, conservatories, etc. The Activ product range includes: Pilkington Activ Clear (for windows and skylights), Pilkington Activ Blue (with solar   control for conservatory roofs), and Pilkington Activ Neutral (with solar control for conservatory verticals).

Xtreme Outdoor
Oh, to curl up with a good book, under open sky, in  folds of luxe leather. Seems like an impossible dream. One that Austrian leather manufacturer, Boxmark, has helped realise with Xtreme. The revolutionary leather technology combines the technical qualities of imitation leather with the captivating appeal of genuine leather. The resultant effect is stunning, and the material is comfy and hard-wearing too. As the name suggests, the Xtreme Outdoor line, featured here, (part of the Xtreme range) is perfect for open-air and wet areas such as terraces, gardens, swimming pools, etc. The brand boasts of the material’s antibacterial and antimicrobial, UV and flame-resistant properties. Besides being easy to clean, Xtreme leather surfaces have a high resistance to staining by water, oil, alcohol, soil, sweat, disinfectants, mould and chlorine. A thickness of 1.3 mm to 1.4 mm and strong natural fibre give this leather its long lifespan and excellent course, extension and tearing characteristics. What’s more, non-pollutant tanning, air purification systems and waste recycling processes make its production ecologically responsible. Choose from 40 colour options such as Iceland, Mahe, Samos, Hawaii, Cuba, Java, and many more.

SG Polly Premium
From funky pink to understated beige, if you’re looking to add a touch of vibrancy to your open-air or semi-open-air space, SG Polly Premium’s outdoor edition is just the right pick for you. Designed by German floorwear brand Kymo, the chic range of ‘carpets’ is fashioned out of speciallycoated, UV-resistant and colourfast polyester fibres, which makes it suitable for exterior spaces. Its dichromatic thread ensures that the rug has the same unique, shimmery glow that makes the indoor edition a real stunner. The line is
available in five standard sizes and 24 colours. However, Kymo offers you the option of customising the size, shape and colour (on the basis of Pantone, RAL or Sikkens) of
your floorwear, just the way you like it. The material is extremely durable and resistant to stress. It is also a soundabsorbent and anti-static. SG Polly Premium is relatively low on maintenance. The company recommends hosing down the ‘carpets’ with water at least once a month. Additionally, the backing of these pieces feature special recesses for easy and unhindered drainage. This makes the SG Polly Premium outdoor edition a perfect and quick colour fix for areas such as pool decks, outdoor lounges, terraces, open air cafes and even spas.

Catwalk
Perennials Fabrics, a recognised leader in outdoor high-performance textiles in the United States, debuted their Catwalk collection at Maison et Objet (September 2009) in Paris, France. The first jacquard-woven outdoor velvet of its kind, Catwalk is available in four distinct colourways: Sophisticat, a dressed-up tri-colour of fawn, black and tobacco-brown; Alley Cat in shades of nocturnal black and rich chocolate; Cool Cat in soft white and ivory and Crazy Cat that sizzles in hot hues of orange, pink and lime. The range features Perennials’ genuine, solution-dyed acrylic fibre technology, which enables its three-year warranty against fading. The product is certified in compliance with industry standards, including resistance to soil,  water, UV radiation, tearing and abrasion. It also boasts of Perennials NanoSeal™ finish for extra protection against the elements. Moreover, the collection is environmentally responsible. Catwalk can be used for your most demanding outdoor applications, as well as any indoor areas that require   performance without compromising on high design. Perennials Fabrics are available worldwide.

Gretchen Ferao (Better Interiors)
Photographs Courtesy: The Manufacturers