Introducing Xylem
by Adam Goodrum

A modular planting & seating system which forms a conduit between plants and people.

Xylem welcomes the fifth collection between leading Australian designer, Adam Goodrum, and Tait. The collection leans on biophilic design principles – ensuring people have access to fresh air, natural light, plants and nature-inspired spaces. ‘Xylem’ itself is a biological term referring to the branch-like vascular tissue in plants that transports nutrients from roots to leaves, and allows them to photosynthesise. Borrowing from this concept, the Xylem collection is a system that intimately connects people with the health-promoting benefits of plants – a reminder of our interconnectedness and dependence on nature. “Xylem is a response to the importance of biophilic design in the workplace. It aims to effortlessly integrate greenery and seating into any outdoor setting” says Adam Goodrum, designer of the Xylem collection.

Xylem Collection designed by Adam Goodrum. Textured powder coats in Coreten, Ochre, Deep Ocean, Headland, Paperbark and Surfmist

“Xylem is a response to the importance of biophilic design in the workplace. It aims to effortlessly integrate greenery and seating into any outdoor setting”

ADAM GOODRUM, DESIGNER

Xylem Planters with Bench -joined at 135 degrees. Textured powder coats in Deep Ocean, Paperbark and Surfmist. Pod seat in Spotted Gum.

Due to its buildable design, Xylem can be infinitely added to, and forms endless configurations. “Xylem can branch out like a root system, form a cluster, become circular, or snake along in a single line for narrower spaces”, says Susan Tait, Creative Director of Tait. Modules can be oriented to encourage people to come together (for socialisation or collaboration), or oriented to allow people more solitude (for focused work or breathing space). Armrests and Backrest components can also be added to further support various modes and user needs.

 

 

“Xylem can branch out like a root system, form a cluster, become circular, or snake along in a single line for narrower spaces”

SUSAN TAIT, CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Xylem Collection featuring Xylem Planters with Bench, Armrest & Backrest, as well as  singular Xylem Planter. Textured powder coats in Paperbark, Headland, Deep Ocean, Ochre, Coreten and Surfmist.

Building your own Xylem configuration is simple. For the Planters, you may choose a self-watering Wicking Plate, Mulch Plate or Pod Timber Lid. For the Bench, select up to three Armrests and three Backrests. You can join one or two Benches to an existing Bench at an array of angles to create your desired configuration. Singular Xylem Planters with Pod Timber Lids may be used to form playful clusters with Planters, or be used on their own to create informal seating, side tables or coffee tables.

Xylem Planter with wicking plate

Xylem Planters have also been expertly designed for indoor use – the drainage hole in the base may be plugged to prevent water leakage. A stylish mulch plate can also be selected – which supports standard-sized, sealed flower pots. This way, potted plants can then be placed inside the sealed flower pots and maintained. The mulch plate in finished black textured powder coat and is beautiful when left visible, or the user may wish to hide it by placing mulch on top of the plate. Internally, the GRC base also becomes a waterproof reservoir to retain water, with an additional self-watering wicking system available (aiding plant maintenance).

Singular Xylem Pods & Planters in 600dia & 800dia. Textured powder coats in Headland, Pale Eucalypt, Paperbark and Ochre.  Pod seat in Spotted Gum.

The glass-reinforced concrete (GRC) base of the Planter proves to be one of the distinctive design features of the collection. The base provides superior durability and provides ample weight, making it ideal to withstand use in public, high-traffic and wind-prone sites. The Planter may be weighted further where required. One of the main advantages of Xylem is its design for disassembly. Delivered completely disassembled, the collection is effortlessly transported and installed on any site (with access no wider than a standard front door required).

Xylem Planters with Bench, including armrest and backrest. Textured powder coats in Coreten and Surfmist.

Xylem’s metal components are formed with folded, anti-corrosive aluminium, making it extremely strong and durable. The Xylem Pod Timber Lid is crafted from sustainable FSC® sourced Spotted Gum and with smooth, curved edges it provides a comfortable place to sit. The raw concrete base provides a fresh contrast against Tait’s range of fifteen rich, Australian-landscape inspired textured powder coat colours. Offering further customisation, each component (Bench, Planter, Pod, Armrest, Backrest and Side Table) may be powder coated in a colour of your choice.

Xylem’s chameleon-like design finds relevance across almost all applications of use. While predominantly designed for the workplace, urban realm, schools, universities, shopping centres and healthcare facilities, the collection can also be used in residential applications to incorporate informal seating and greenery. And, as we find ourselves looking to bring the “outdoors-in” more and more to enhance our relationship with nature, the collection is just as relevant indoors as it is outdoors.

Xylem collection at Collingwood Yards, Collingwood.

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Xylem Planters with Bench

Xylem Planter
Published 1 April 2022
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