History
It all started in 1994, with Dirk Wynants designing his own outdoor family table. From then on several innovative designs would see the light of day.
Son of a carpenter
Dirk Who? Dirk Wynants, son of a cabin maker, born in 1964.
Working in the family carpentry business, from a very young age, Dirk felt compelled to do things his own way.
Architecture & design
As an interior architecture student he was constantly pushing the envelope in his drive to innovate. Even to the dismay of his professors at times, and he wasn’t going to be bound by tradition.
Metal marriage
Meeting Hilde, the daughter of a metalworker would be instrumental for what was yet to come. With his carpentry roots, design education and an introduction to the metal business through his family-in-law, something big was brewing!
Humble beginnings
This wooden barn, somewhere in the rural Westhoek region of the Flemish countryside, was bursting with activity. His first design ideas, combinations of metal and wood, the two family businesses, would be developed here.
The beginnings of a collection of innovative design furniture that offered new solutions.
Family time
1994 — Gargantua
Dirk, now a young father of 3, felt that it was important to spend quality time outside with his family, but he just couldn't find the right furniture. Back then, outdoor furniture wasn't too big on design, let alone functionality.
He went into his shed, and came back with a table that was centered around quality, eco-friendliness and most importantly: togetherness. Gargantua consists of four benches orbiting a round table, easily adjusted in height and fit for any size. Simple yet ingenious, Extremis was born.
Read more about Gargantua
Trailblazing
1998 — Extempore
It is not easy to base a brand on a single picnic table, so Dirk Wynants commissioned fellow designer Arnold Merckx to help him create a garden range. At that time, the wood and aluminium combination was unheard of, and it consolidated Extremis as the first ever brand of designer outdoor furniture. This collection played a crucial role in Extremis' expansion into the residential market. Over time, it has been gradually replaced by other dedicated solutions that provide greater added value and foster even more genuine togetherness.
Dirk Wynants in the Extempore sunlounger - 1998
Form follows function
2002 — Picnik
A standard sheet of Aluminium was the starting point for this iconic design. A few strategic cuts and folds gave birth to a rigid but comfortable picnic table. Dirk sought the technical expertise of Xavier Lust to help him shape the aluminium. A clear example of sustainability, thanks to the timelessness of the design.
True or false: the parasol cannot be improved
2007 — Inumbra
The search for and development of a suitable parasol for Gargantua took Dirk Wynants and his engineers ages. But... Eureka! In 2007, Extremis was finally able to launch its first shade. It featured a clean white fabric that was almost entirely flat, sitting lower above people's heads, providing more shade, and could even be opened above the tabletop! A major milestone for the company, as from that day many innovative shades would follow. Who said the parasol couldn’t be improved? Apparently, at Extremis, the jar of ideas for shade systems is far from empty.
An entire universe
2008 — Kosmos
The intimacy and versatility of a yacht cockpit inspired Dirk Wynants in his search for a self-contained, do-it-all piece of furniture. Seating, protection from the sun, dimmable lighting, everything is combined in Kosmos. Start with breakfast and lounge all day. Once inside you will never want to leave.
From hops to Hopper
2010 — Hopper
A bustling beer festival isn’t normally something that you would associate with good design. But this very setting was the inspiration for this classic: how do you improve access on a long picnic table? Lowering the entry points at the end of each bench made it easily accessible and streamlined. Hopper would go on to become one of our most popular tables.
All weather bliss
2014 — Walrus
The most weather resistant and comfortable lounge set ever made. In 2014, we unveiled a project that took a long time in coming: seating to withstand the wind and rain without covers. Walrus, a range of modular seating, offers warmth and comfort thanks to blankets and extra pillows in the inbuilt storage compartment. Fit for every season!
Moving to the land of Hop fields
In 2015, we completed the total transformation of our company premises. Visitors to the old buildings agreed: it was a breath of fresh air. During the extensive renovations we applied the very methods we use to develop our products. The focus was on sustainability and a welcoming feel. By applying biophilic principles we created a balance between productivity and well-being.
Design for a changing world
2016 — Virus, Sol+Luna, Bistroo & Acacia
We create solutions, not furniture. Sol+Luna, Virus and Bistroo came from the observation that people live in ever smaller spaces. We believe that an intelligent and efficient use of space will be vital in the future. The Acacia complemented the Virus range with its asymmetrical and relatively compact shade design.
Touring Conquering the USA
2018
In 2018, we formed a close alliance with Steelcase, a pioneer in workplace design and environments. Through the Steelcase product library and logistics network, we were able to reach corporate customers overseas. Following this partnership, Dirk’s son Thomas Wynants and his American wife Ashlee toured across the United States to share Belgian and Extremis culture, giving a significant boost to our presence in the American market.
A quarter century
2019
We held a party for our huge, extended Extremis family to celebrate the original tool of togetherness. The story of Extremis began with the design of Gargantua. This functional, designer picnic table was an important breakthrough in outdoor furniture design. It is still one of our best-selling products today.
All around the world, many of the original tables, made 25 years ago, are still in use outside. Proof that a sustainable product can be achieved when the design and technical aspects are right.
Virtual tours
2020
While travel had come to a near standstill due to the pandemic, technology allowed us to invite our partners on a free virtual trip to Belgium. This journey included a visit to the Extremis headquarters in the countryside of West Flanders (minus the jet lag), where we offered a tour of the campus and an introduction to both our existing and new 'tools for togetherness’.
On a magical mission
2021 — AMAi
With design fairs and events canceled, we turned to digital hocus pocus to launch our newest product, 'AMAi.' How to capture its innovative features in an online meeting? The answer: a grand premiere of 'Harry Topper and the Table of Proven,' an Extremis movie that immersed viewers in the story behind AMAi's creation.
The brewery of ideas
2023 – Sensu, Panigiri, Manille
Several patented designs prove that Extremis is not just about looks, but also about technological innovation. At Extremis, we start brewing ideas with functional requirements as the key ingredient—not esthetics. For Sensu, this process resulted in a finely crafted high-tech parasol that delivers ultimate comfort. Meanwhile, our Panigiri and compact Manille picnic tables were brewed with a generous measure of transport efficiency and a hearty dose of ergonomic assembly, blending practicality and togetherness seamlessly.
