We are thrilled to unveil the latest addition to our offerings: the Folly bench by Metalco. Crafted with precision and innovation, the Folly bench is the perfect fusion of artistry and utility, designed to elevate outdoor spaces with its contemporary charm. The Folly bench is characterized by a ribbon shape with backrests at different heights. The outer surface has raised waves that follow the profile of the bench and are in Velluto – a smooth, natural finish. The monolithic piece is grounded by four adjustable feet hidden from view, to ensure perfect positioning even on flooring that is not perfectly horizontal, or it can be fixed to the floor by means of threaded rods.
A Collaboration of Excellence: Metalco and Magis
The partnership between Metalco and Magis brought new life to the Folly, combining expertise in concrete processing and contemporary design. The desire was to unite two important realities of the local industries (they were both born and are both present in the Veneto region of Italy). This collaboration expanded the expressive potential of the original design of this outdoor rounded bench, incorporating HPC with aggregates sourced from Murano glass by Metalco. The result is a stunning piece that seamlessly marries aesthetics with functionality, blurring the lines between art piece and street bench.
Ron Arad's Vision
When creating the original Folly bench ten years ago, renowned designer and principle of Magis, Ron Arad drew inspiration from the fluidity and movement found in design. His design explores the expressive potential of materials, going beyond mere functionality to create objects that are plastic and expressive and can be reworked to become products for large-scale distribution. The soft lines and organic form of this piece capture the essence of the outdoors, inviting users to immerse themselves in the beauty of curved benches.
Why High-Performance Concrete?
The Folly bench stands as a masterpiece of modern design, crafted from High Performance Concrete (HPC) – a latest-generation concrete composed of a mixture of aggregates of various sizes and special additives that guarantees exceptional strength and superior durability. Unlike other materials, HPC can have both a smooth formwork finish and faithfully replicate the undulations of which the external surface is made. HPC allows for the smoothing of the internal seating surface. The usage of HPC reflects the Spruce & Gander commitment to offering landscape architects the highest quality materials for their projects.
Perfect Balance of Aesthetics and Functionality
The Folly bench delivers on contemporary character in urban furnishings. Its fluid forms give this design a soft feel making it the perfect piece for outdoor environments needing a modern touch. The Folly bench radiates its personality decisively: the surface of the outdoor bench is not smooth but is characterized by striations/lines that follow its flowing shapes, creating a swaying, dynamic feeling that amuses anyone who sits on it. The seat itself, while being very solid and stable has a shape reminiscent of a wave that gives a fascinating sensation of movement, like an ocean that suddenly, from the ground, breaks out to give us a new game and make us children again. This perfect balance between form and function ensures that it not only enhances outdoor environments but also provides a comfortable and inviting seating experience.
Reception and Recognition
At its debut at the Salon du Maires in Paris in November 2023, the newly reimagined Folly bench was immediately admired and became the focus of the exhibition stand. Landscape architecture insiders and design enthusiasts already familiar with the polyethylene product and were positively surprised to see the HPC version. The product has also been chosen to represent Metalco at the EXPOJARDIM 2024 event to be held from March 21st to 23rd in Lisbon.
The Folly bench goes beyond being just a piece of outdoor furniture – it is a testament to innovation, craftsmanship, and the enduring beauty of nature. Experience the transformative Folly bench and elevate your outdoor furnishings to new heights of elegance and sophistication.
Spruce & Gander (through sister company id created, Inc.) is the exclusive importer of Metalco products in the US and Canada. For more information on the Folly bench and other Metalco items, please contact us.
