What do designers Oskar Vermeylen, Vincent Wellemtn, Yves Verhaegen, and Pim van Eijck, have in common? Besides the obvious commonality of multi-syllabic, unpronounceable names, that is.  Judging from the collaborative project called the Plof bench, I’d say they each possess an affinity for sustainable solutions, an eye for bold stylistic excess, and a sense of the recyclable, re-purposed A&D landscape necessary to our species’ survival.

Plof bench. Designed by Oskar Vermeylen, Vincent Wellemtn, Yves Verhaegen, and Pim van Eijck. Offered by Atelier Belge.

A Colorful, Comfortable Bench Made From Recycled Textiles

Perhaps that’s overstating the case, as we could certainly all live without the aesthetically arresting, commodious, and comfortable Plof. But why should we? Especially when this multi-colored and dynamic piece is constructed from cast-off textiles, then wrapped within the durable and transparent skin of PE plastic.

The recipe makes for a fruitful collaborative effort. Not just between the aforementioned designers (working together under the aegis of Atelier Belge), but also for forward-thinking outfits like Outdoorz Gallery, offering a “collection of bold and creative pieces suitable outdoors or in, from an assembly of award winning international designers.”

The Paris-based gallery showcases the work of independent and/or unusually creative designers, many of whom have created one-of-a-kind pieces. And this is exactly the case with Plof, as every new incarnation features different textiles, assembled by the quartet of designers in a different way, thus creating a uniquely exciting and, yes, one of-a-kind, piece every time.

The Plof benches also feature padded knots and “shiny white buttons.” Dimensions of the extant pieces are h 50cm w 100cm d 50cm, but other sizes are available by request. No matter the size and shape in which Plof is ultimately manifest, this singularly compelling bench cannot fail to “give new life to waste textiles” and “become a creative and colorful addition to your home, indoors or out.”

About the Designer: Helmed by Fermetti and Os-kar, Belgium-based Atelier Belge focuses principally on the work of up-and-coming designers: “we tend towards young designers and craftsmen by giving them the opportunity to develop their ideas in a stimulating environment… Young people with a different feel and touch.” The philosophy has resulted in an eclectic and exciting collection with fun and functional pieces like the Joe Seat, the Soft Table, and the smart and sustainable Plof Bench.