Celebrity included, our most famous star is undoubtedly the sun. Defining our days, and ultimately our nights, the path of the sun has mystified and regulated us all, bringing our circadian rhythms into balance and encouraging homeostasis on a cellular level. The Torii Bench by Placyle is inspired by the Torii gates of Japan, beholden to the never-ending path taken by our largest tastemaker. Struck by how pure, elemental form can invite movement even within moments of stillness, this dichotomy is the spark that produced this piece, a feeling of entering a calmer space.
The team at Placyle asked: “What if plastic waste could be turned into something beautiful? Or better yet – how can we show the true value of plastic, not as garbage… but as possibility?” This notion of reusing what exists is not inherently new, yet many take great lengths to hide the origins of the material. Instead, the specific flecks and textures of the post-consumer content remains embedded within the material, imparting a unique color profile and texture to each plank.
Translating the form language of the Torii gates into the proportions and design constraints of the bench, the team imagined the pillars and lintel of the gates as a light, architectural form, abstracting and multiplying until the desired proportion was achieved.
Each bench is constructed from 100% recycled plastic made from post-consumer and industrial waste streams. The resulting material is UV-stable, weatherproof, and splinter-free. The Torii Bench is held together with durable and rust-free stainless steel components, making it an ideal addition to any outdoor space.
The Torii Bench’s legs rotate inward allowing it to ship flat-packed. Plus assembly is super easy and intuitive.
In addition to three colorways, the Torii Bench comes in three variations: the bench alone, the bench with an upholstered cushion, and the bench with an upholstered cushion and bolster for more comfortable lounging.
Appeal to a broad range of tastes, the color profiles in the Torii Bench range from relatively reserved to bright and bold, including a nod to the classic color of a Torii gate, the strength of the vermillion offsetting the inky jet-black boards quite nicely.
For a warmer palette, the deep browns and tan of the second colorway evoke an almost ’70s tone, light tan legs giving way to a rich chocolate brown for the seat.
For a monochromatic option, the Torii Bench is available in a blue-toned gray and black, allowing the notes of texture to speak for themselves.
Placyle’s mission is to transform waste into usable material, reviving what was once trash and translating it into beautiful outdoor furniture. By rediscovering the potential of discarded material, they are creating products that serve a purpose while also serving the planet.
Designer Aliasgar Aboojiwala of Placyle
To learn more about the Torii Bench by Placycle, visit placyle.com.
Photography by Neel Bothara.
