Milan 2015: furniture brand Prostoria is presenting a lounge chair with a stretched leather backrest and tubular steel support at Milan's Salone del Mobile furniture fair (+ slideshow).

The Strain chair by Croatian industrial designer Simon Morasi Piperčić is intended for both indoor and outdoor use in residential and commercial spaces.

"I wanted the chair to be visually light yet very comfortable," Piperčić told Dezeen. "It provides the comfort expected from large dimension sofas."

The chair is constructed from two tubular steel elements, which are cut using a computer numerically controlled (CNC) system – a method that employs a router to form a shape prescribed by a digital model.

The first continuous steel tube forms the front legs, base and back frame of the chair, while a second piece is interlinked at the bend to form the rear legs.

Italian belt leather is then stretched across the steel construction to provide support. "This is quite a strong material and offers a very comfortable and thin backrest," said Piperčić.

A wide, rectangular cushion forms the seat, with further padding offered by a smaller lumbar cushion at the base of the backrest. Both upholstered sections are available in a selection of fabrics from textile manufacturers including Kvadrat and Camira.

The steel frame is available in various finishes, including black chrome, powder-coated matt, copper-plated or gloss lacquered.

Although the Strain chair marks the first collaboration between Piperčić and the upholstered furniture company Prostoria, the designer is now working to develop further additions to the collection, including an armchair with extra armrests, tables and barstools.

Prostoria is exhibiting the chair at the Salone del Mobile in Milan, which continues until 19 April.