A Fresh Take on Garden Square Seating
Flexible Seating
Whilst it can be a divisive concept among Garden Committees, our practical experience is that high-quality flexible seating is one of the best recieved features from ratepayers.
Not only can flexible seating be easily positioned around the Garden to enjoy the most sun, or dappled shade, it is also much more comfortable than traditional bench seating, allowing ratepayers to enjoy gardens for longer.
We recommend Deck Chairs and Tennis Chairs from Southsea Deckchairs.
The Chairs can be easily stored in wooden units; a dozen or so deckchairs can be stored in the 180cm Log Store by Arbor Solutions whilst 10 tennis chairs will fit in the Double Fronted Log Store.
Not sure your keyholders will follow the terms-of-use for such seating? A simple CCTV camera (4G, recharged by solar panels) can help you monitor usage and deal with any unwanted behaviours.
We can help by:
- Conducting research into former residents
- Preparing design work for chair customisation
- Installing and painting storage lockers
- Creating signs / notices
- Installing CCTV to monitor usage
Considered Table Seating
Aside from the obvious utility residents can gain from table seating (able to enjoy meals and drinks in the Garden), the furniture has the added benefit of encouraging face to face interaction. Gone are the days of twisting awkwardly on a bench to face the person you are talking to.
Loose tables and chairs can frequently end up scattered around the Garden, so we typically recommend all-in-one units such as:
- Woodberry 6-seater round table with backrests (pictured)
- Woodberry 8-seater square table with backrests
- Recycled Composite Octagonal Picnic Table with Backrests
That said, loose tables and benches, whilst less comfortable for many residents, can be popular with some residents, especially for use in events, etc.
One downside of table seating is that it is rarely suitable for placing on top of grass (which will quickly die back due to the shade / footfall).
We can help by installing dedicated table seating areas, typically consisting of Gravel Grids surrounded by edging (as pictured). The grids are permeable, whilst ensuring the gravel is stable and retained in a specific area.
Fitness Seating
One trend coming out of Mainland Europe is the concept of Exercise Benches, where traditional seating meets exercise equipment. Whilst their more industrial style will limit suitable locations in Garden Squares, Exercise Benches shouldn’t be discounted altogether.
Many Garden Squares have Play Areas where such benches can double as parent/carer seating whilst Children are using the play equipment, and an exercise feature at other times.
Some examples we particularly like include:
- PlayParc’s FitnessBench range (pictured)
- Playdale’s Training Buddy Range
- Lappset Step and Calf
- Vinci Play’s Workout RB2306
- Noord Spirer Boxes
- Kompan’s Combi Boxes
- Proludic’s Board and Double Board
We can help by: Sourcing and installing the equipment, ensuring compliance with BS EN 16630 (Outdoor Fitness Equipment), 1177 (Surfacing) and 1176 (Playground Equipment) standards.
Play Seating
Seating in playgrounds is often overlooked, though positively influences both the overall use families will make of the playground, and the supervision parents will apply to thier children.
Whilst fitness seating is one option, another is to install seating with both a play and relaxation element, some examples we like are:
- Playdale Hammock
- HAGS Hammock / ROX Boulder & Net
- Kompan Hammock
- Lappset Chillout Range
- Playparc Bench “Relaxing” / Club Lounger
- Vinci Play Robinia RB1347