Outdoor living has recently grown to outdoor working, learning and meeting thanks to the latest introduction from SIXINCH, the Grove Collection of smart outdoor furniture and accessories. Equipped with state of the art solar connectivity and weather-resistant durability, Grove furnishings are taking the contract industry to the outer limits, literally.
Green spaces can now be activated as an enjoyable work environment due to the award-winning design team from Gensler Chicago and SIXINCH and its debut of the Grove Collection. “We have been working tirelessly with the Gensler Chicago product design group for over a year to be able to deliver this unique combination of components and comfort for exterior work and learning environments,” said Kip Wieland, Managing Director of SIXINCH North America.
SIXINCH, international designers and the creative force behind high design furniture and accessories crafted of foam and coating, recognized an opportunity for new product development as the outdoor workspace concept emerged. As technology has advanced, so has the ability to create alternative work environments including green outdoor spaces.
A recent online Huffington Post piece recognized that the “Outdoor Workspace is the Next Workplace Frontier.” The article went on to explain the benefits of working, as well as learning and meeting, in the out of doors. These included not only greater productivity; but also greater emotional and physical well-being.
For SIXINCH, this article confirmed their thinking and design plan of creating furnishings and accessories to accommodate this growing trend. “This is a big moment for us,” said David Behles, SIXINCH Director of Design, North America. “The North American marketplace has been looking for a forward-thinking way to connect people and nature for a long time, and we believe they will fall in love with our product vision for how that connectivity will occur with Grove by SIXINCH.” Working on the product design with Behles from Gensler – Chicago were Steven Meier, LEED AP BD+C – Principal; Robert Mariduena, Product Design; and Thomas Fernandez, Product Design.
Introduced to the contract industry at the recent 2015 NeoCon show, Grove was met with an overwhelming positive response. The design and innovation of the collection was recognized with multiple awards including a Hip Honoree award in the outdoor category from Interior Design magazine for the Grove by SIXINCH – Learning Curve with the Solar Powered Lilly Shade.
At the same show, Contract magazine singled out Grove with a trifecta of Best of NeoCon awards. A Gold award for the Furniture for Collaboration category was won by the Grove by SIXINCH Slide. A Silver Award and an Innovation Award in the Technology Support category was bestowed on the Grove by SIXINCH – Solar Powered Lilly Shade product partnership.
On display during the market attended by representatives from hospitality, academia and other contract entities was a complete line of contemporary coated foam seating and table configurations constructed of honest materials.
Within the award-winning product, the shade and solar power of the Lilly Shade Powered by Goal Zero Components were integrated with the seating component. This partnership with Goal Zero, a thought leader in the perfection and distribution of integrated solar power, allowed the designers the freedom to attain their design goal and provide an activated outdoor work environment.
The Grove Collection of products is constructed for durability and low maintenance from coated foam, aluminum, concrete, and recycled green power made possible by a seamless solar power delivery system.
For the initial launch, Grove by SIXINCH is available via the website, www.grovebysixinch.us. For more information contact the website or call 574-538-2417.