Dezeen Magazine

The Stones modular bench system by Vestre

Vestre presents urban furniture designs that act as "sustainable and inclusive meeting places"

Norwegian street furniture brand Vestre is showcasing the Code planter and the bench system Stones as part of the Dezeen x Planted collaboration during this year's London Design Festival.

Both of Vestre's designs are modular, with the cuboid steel planter forming part of the wider Code system, which includes two different angular, wood-topped bench units.

These can be stacked together vertically and horizontally like building blocks to create different furniture configurations and can be connected by a single sheet of bent steel to form a picnic table.

The Code bench system and planter by Vestre
Above: The Code planter is part of a modular bench system. Top image: The Stones bench system has a steel base and wooden seat

The simple geometry of the matching planter is designed to fill the empty spaces in between while integrating more greenery into urban spaces.

It is available in two different sizes – a shorter version that has space for smaller plants and 250 litres of soil and a larger, 500-litre version that can accommodate small trees.

The Stones system offers a softer, more rotund look, with three bench modules of different sizes perched on stubby, cylindrical feet.

Each features gently rounded corners and comes in two different heights so they can be combined to form an undulating seating landscape, reminiscent of a Japanese stone garden.

The Stones modular bench system by Vestre can be used indoors
The Stones system can also be used indoors

Perched on top of the steel body, the seat is made from Nordic pine wood that has either been proofed with linseed oil or Kebonised, which involves treating it with furfuryl alcohol to enhance its strength and durability.

For indoor use, there is also an option to go for lighter woods such as oiled ash or oak.

The Stones modular bench system
It sits perched on short, cylindrical legs

As with all Vestre products, both the Code planter and the steel base of the Stones system can be powder coated in 200 different colours, so that they can be easily matched or contrasted with surrounding modules.

With the goal of creating longlasting products, the company also offers a lifetime guarantee against rust and a 15-year anti-rot warranty on wood.

The Code bench system by Vestre
The Code system features angular bench modules

Vestre describes itself as the first company to manufacture climate-neutral outdoor furniture, with the aim of creating "sustainable, democratic and inclusive meeting places that bridge social and cultural divides."

BIG has recently designed a factory for the company, which the brand claims will be "world's most eco-friendly furniture factory".

The Code bench system
They can be stacked vertically or horizontally to create different configurations

The Stones system was originally unveiled at the Stockholm Furniture & Light Fair earlier this year as part of Vestre's award-winning stand, which was made from re-usable materials and detailed the carbon expenditure involved in each product.


Dezeen x Planted

Exhibitor: Vestre
Website: vestre.com
Contact: [email protected]

Planted is a contemporary design event, which aims to reconnect cities with nature will make its physical debut as part of London Design Festival alongside an online trailer for next year's main event.

The Planted x Dezeen collaboration presents a series of projects by international designs that align with the ideals of the Planted design event.