Designers StokkeAustad presented a cantilevered bench with a concrete base at an exhibition called Norwegian Prototypes  during the London Design Festival last month.

The bench is part of a seating system that allows several benches to be connected in a variety of arrangements.

The project was commissioned by Norwegian sustainable timber producers Kebony, to explore and demonstrate the potential of using their engineered softwoods in outdoor furniture.

The timber will gradually age during its time exposed to the elements but the designers say it will maintain its hard-wearing physical properties.

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Photos are by Hans Fredrik Asbjørnsen.

Here's more info from StokkeAustad:

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The project is a collaboration between StokkeAustad and Kebony. StokkeAustad was commissioned by Kebony to look at the possibilities of using their product in outdoor furniture.

Kebony is a new Norwegian company that has developed and patented a process that transforms the qualities of normal softwoods into those of hardwood.

They use the waste products form the sugar industry to dramatically improve the properties of the wood making it longer lasting, hard wearing, maintenance free, and basically a viable replacement for rainforest timber.

StokkeAustad wanted to explore the possibilities of making a bench system that is flexible in how it is mounted.

The material Kebony will also turn grey as it is left exposed to the elements. In combination with laquered steel and concrete it will become more and more beautiful over the years.

The round base and the fastening system for the seat allows for several benches to be connected together forming a long line. And as the base is round the angle of the assembly can be completely free. The narrow seat also allows for people to sit with one leg on each side of the seat.

We are also looking to expand the series to flower pots, bins, and benches and seats with a backrest.