Urban Shetler, an outdoor furniture designed by Martin Solem using Kebony's environmentally friendly wood product

Global Cleantech 100 company, Kebony, presents its newest range of outdoor furniture, Urban Shetler, created in collaboration with Norwegian designer Martin Solem.

Martin Solem's vision for this collection was to produce a space where city dwellers had the chance to escape from their busy everyday life. His core principles were simplicity, innovation, and practical design, wanting to create a ‘space in space’ by giving urban people a chance to be more private when exploring public green spaces. This personal challenge has been met with the polygon shaped structure that can change from a lounger to a bench and table.

Using long lasting and aesthetically pleasing materials for the project was a critical component for the designer. Rigorously tested in harsh Norwegian climates for its stability Kebony is designed to withstand severe weathering, wear and decay, making it the perfect choice to provide shelter from the elements. Kebony was also chosen for its aesthetic qualities: a beautiful wood product that would naturally acquire a silver-grey patina over time. Kebony's lightly coloured wood allows the bench to adhere to its environment and be in keeping with its surroundings, whether they be a concrete street or a luscious green park.

By using Kebony's environmentally friendly wood product, the Urban Shelter is ideal for green spaces such as city parks, outdoor cafes and along city harbours. The soft and natural texture of Kebony wood allows the bench's to curve and be shaped in a way that is comfortable and practical. The polygon shape creates a secluded rest stop for the busy lives of city residents.

Martin Solem, the designer of Urban Shelter comments: “I wanted to make furniture for the outdoors because it's such an exiting space to work with. I wanted to give green experiences to a wider audience.”

Kebony's popularity continues to rise, due not only to its environmentally friendly production but also its brilliant quality and versatility of use. From decking, roofing and outdoor furniture, this sustainable wood has opened up opportunities to create a new market of environmental friendly construction. As a result the company was named as one of the world's most promising clean technology companies in the Global Cleantech 100, both in 2010 and 2011, in competition with more than 3,000 companies from 50 countries. Kebony also received Deloitte's ‘Fast 50 Award’, was cited as one of the top 50 companies that could change our world in 2010, alongside being cited by CNBC as a top 25 creative European Company. Kebony has also received the Nordic region's eco-label, the Swan, the Glass Bear for sustainable consumption and production and the Norwegian Blue Ocean Award. In the last month it has also won a British Best Business Award for Innovation.

Jan Terje Nielsen, Marketing Director at Kebony comments “Kebony are very pleased to have been chosen by this up-and-coming young designer in building the shelters and the end result looks fantastic”.

Visit the Kebony website

Visit the Martin Solem website