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Xylem Brings People + Plants Together in a Modular Way

04.20.22 | By
Xylem Brings People + Plants Together in a Modular Way

Xylem is a creative modular planting and seating system that works just as well in your backyard as it does in the office or community spaces. It’s the fifth collaboration between designer Adam Goodrum and outdoor furniture manufacturer Tait, both based in Australia. The word ‘xylem’ refers to the vascular, branch-like tissue found in plants that’s responsible for carrying nutrients, allowing them to photosynthesize. In relation, Xylem connects people with the benefits of plants. Their goal in creating Xylem is for people to have access to fresh air, sunshine, plants, and spaces inspired by nature.

Xylem can be added to indefinitely and form 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 designed to bring people together or allow for solitude. Armrests, backrests, and side tables can also be added.

rust colored outdoor bench large planter hybrid

Start creating your own with a few simple decisions. For the planters, choose a self-watering Wicking Plate, Mulch Plate, or Pod Timber Lid. For the bench, select up to three armrests and three backrests. Join a few new benches to an existing one at any angle for a fresh configuration. Or opt for singular Xylem planters with Pod Timber Lids to form clusters, or use them on their own for informal seating, side tables, or coffee tables.

Glass-reinforced concrete (GRC) bases are durable and heavy enough to handle public use and ample weight – ideal for windy regions or areas prone to heavy traffic. The metal components of Zylem use a folded, anti-corrosive aluminum that’s extremely strong. The system’s Pod Timber Lid is crafted from sustainable FSC® sourced Spotted Gum, it’s smooth, curved edges providing a comfortable perch. And the raw concrete base adds a contrast against Tait’s range of fifteen Australian-landscape inspired textured powder coat colors. Each component can be powder-coated in the color of your choosing. And Xylem is just as easy to disassemble as it is to put together. The system is delivered disassembled and can be transported and installed anywhere with access as wide as a standard front door.

brown and blue outdoor benches and large planter hybrid

brown and cream outdoor benches and large planter hybrid

rust colored outdoor bench large planter hybrid

brown and blue outdoor benches and large planter hybrid

detail of brown and blue outdoor benches and large planter hybrid

large yellow, brown, blue, and grey planters

brown and grey outdoor benches and large planter hybrid

detail of brown and white bench

blue hybrid planter and bench

large yellow, brown, blue, and grey planters

brown hybrid planter and bench

large blue, yellow, and green planters

detail of planter bench hybrid

detail of rust colored bench

detail of blue colored bench

outdoor space full of planter and bench hybrids in vibrant colors

To learn more about Xylem, visit madebytait.com.

Photos by Haydn Cattach.

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.