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Bello! Is an Extruded Aluminum Bench Inspired by Pasta

11.08.23 | By
Bello! Is an Extruded Aluminum Bench Inspired by Pasta

Much like the process of extruding different shapes of pasta, the Bello! bench is extruded from low carbon ~90% recycled and 100% recyclable aluminum. Created via a collaboration between Norwegian designer Lars Beller Fjetland and the renewable energy and sustainable aluminum specialist Hydro, the indoor/outdoor bench is lightweight, tactile, and timeless. Named with a portmanteau of its collaborators, Bello! includes zero traces of the aluminum’s former life, as a can or window frame for example, in its durable finished form.

three modern aluminum benches lined up in a row

To bring Bello! to life, heated aluminum is passed through a press to shape it, a process known as extrusion. The designer worked with Hydro’s engineers to take advantage of 3D printing to minimize waste. Several prototypes and proofs of concept were created before the final extruded shape was decided upon. Beller Fjetland’s intent when designing the bench was to experiment with the process, which in turn gave Bello! a ridged surface – similar to penne pasta.

three modern aluminum benches lined up in a row

“The subtle ridges add so much value – you just have to run your fingers across the surface. These tactile discoveries mean so much to me,” said Beller Fjetland. “With this design I really wanted to emphasize the possibilities of extruded aluminum. It is very much a culmination of everything I appreciate – from the planes, trains, and buses that were designed in the 1930s–1970s, to brutalist architecture and, last but not least, pasta!”

modern aluminum bench outdoors

With public transportation hubs in mind, the internal structure allows for additions to Bello!, such as tables, lamps, and chargers. These additions can be easily integrated, and the bench can be joined together in multiples to suit the space, including custom sizes and a spectrum of colors using natural anodizing.

overhead image of someone sketching from reference photos

Bello! demonstrates aluminum’s potential as a practical, sustainable material. With up to 80% of a product’s environmental footprint determined during the design phase, Hydro’s collaborations with designers hope to drive innovation in the design industry and encourage the creation of more sustainable products in recyclable aluminum.

hand-sketched design

“At Hydro, we believe that more sustainable design starts with more sustainable production,” shared Asle Forsbak, Marketing Director, Hydro Extrusions. “Aluminum is looked upon as the metal of the future, offering unparalleled strength, durability, and recyclability. Its properties make it an ideal choice for a wide range of applications, and our commitment to reducing CO2 emissions by 30% by 2030 positions us at the forefront of more sustainable innovation. Collaborating with talented designers like Lars Beller Fjetland is crucial to unlocking the full potential of aluminum as a design material.”

someone sketching

aluminum outdoor bench being manufactured

texture detail of an aluminum outdoor bench

aluminum outdoor bench

dark orange aluminum outdoor bench

detail of bright blue aluminum outdoor bench

dark orange aluminum outdoor bench on white background

bright blue aluminum outdoor bench on white background

To learn more about the Bello! Bench, visit beller.no.

Photography by Sjur Pollen.

Kelly Beall is Director of Branded Content at Design Milk. The Pittsburgh-based writer and designer has had a deep love of art and design for as long as she can remember, from Fashion Plates to MoMA and far beyond. When not searching out the visual arts, she's likely sharing her favorite finds with others. Kelly can also be found tracking down new music, teaching herself to play the ukulele, or on the couch with her three pets – Bebe, Rainey, and Remy. Find her @designcrush on social.