Founded in 2006 in the heart of Brianza, a region celebrated worldwide as a cradle of Italian creativity and craftsmanship, Exteta has always followed a vision: to place the outdoors at the centre of luxury living. Unlike many contemporaries focused primarily on interiors, Exteta aims to give outdoor spaces the same architectural consideration and design integrity as the rooms inside.
Translating a yachting icon with Exteta x Riva
Earlier this year, Exteta presented its latest collaboration: Exteta x Riva, designed by Massimo Castagna. The collection was previewed at Milan Design Week and has since been released globally.
The synergy between the two brands feels natural. The project takes cues from Riva’s over 180-year history, drawing on the motor boats that became synonymous with the 1960s “dolce vita” as well as the shipyard’s more recent focus on innovation and customisation. The intention is not to replicate a yacht in furniture form but to transfer elements of its aesthetic language and technical approach into products suited for terraces, gardens and superyacht decks.
The Exteta x Riva collection is broad, covering sofas, armchairs, lounge chairs, dining and coffee tables, sun loungers and even lamps, allowing for different spatial arrangements, from compact lounge areas to larger dining or entertaining spaces.
Each piece reflects Riva’s iconic style through a meticulous choice of materials. Sapele mahogany, valued for its density and strength, forms the backbone of the collection, finished with Riva’s signature glossy varnish. Known for its durability in marine environments, this wood is paired with Riva’s instantly recognisable, ultra-resistant stainless steel accents. Matt and High Gloss finishes are applied by hand in a multi-step process, producing a flawless result that withstands the elements. When it comes to upholstery, the brand offers owners complete creative freedom with an extensive catalogue of leathers and fabrics.
The sofas are designed as modular units with substantial forms and weather-resistant padding. Their bases are raised slightly to give a lighter appearance, while armrests are offered in two versions: upholstered with a gentle curve or mahogany that echoes the contours of a Riva. The lounge and director’s chairs are more compact and transportable but maintain the emphasis on comfort through padded seating. Tables in dining and coffee formats use slatted mahogany tops with steel structures. The collection also includes a wireless stainless steel lamp to extend the use of outdoor areas into the evening.
Design partnerships and heritage collaborations
A consistent thread in Exteta’s history has been collaboration. The brand has worked with international designers including Paola Navone OTTO Studio, Ludovica + Roberto Palomba and Studiopepe, who now serves as Exteta’s artistic director. These partnerships have allowed the company to explore different approaches to form, material and proportion without losing sight of its core identity.
Its catalogue is organised into two main groups, Contemporary and Heritage. The latter revisits designs from Italian masters such as Franco Albini, Gae Aulenti and Marco Zanuso. By bringing these works back into production, Exteta connects clients with Italy’s rich design heritage. Exteta has also embraced collaborations with luxury names, including Loro Piana Interiors and Jacquemus.
Responsible production
Exteta’s approach to production emphasises traceability and environmental responsibility. All wood is sourced with FSC® certification, ensuring compliance with forestry and reforestation standards. The company holds the ISO 9001 certification for its management processes and is working towards the ISO 14001 certification for environmental management.
Production still takes place in Brianza, where Exteta maintains an in-house carpentry workshop, an upholstery atelier and a close network of local artisans. Each element of its collections is produced and finished by hand, reflecting not just design intent but the continuation of regional skills and knowledge.
Energy use is also being addressed through the installation of an extensive photovoltaic system, reducing reliance on external power and moving the company closer to self-sufficiency. Additionally, Exteta shortens supply chains by keeping production local, working exclusively with artisans in Brianza.
The Exteta x Riva collection reflects how the brand continues to evolve, using the vocabulary of another Italian icon to demonstrate its design expertise in new contexts. To learn more about Exteta, contact the team today.
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