Waterside Bench "De Oeverbank" was one of Petra's graduation projects at DAE. Three benches are produced thus far and positioned along public Dutch waters. One of them is located in the public estate De Horte in Overijssel. Visitors are invited to take a break on the bench with their feet dangling above the small creek. The Waterside Bench is produced in collaboration with Foreco Timber Products and the first bench was placed with the support of Landschap Overijssel. The bench is made of Foreco's NobelWood®. NobelWood® supplies the growing demand for tropical hardwood in a sustainable way. Through an innovative technology with biobased chemistry the fastest growing pinewood in the world is modified. The timber is enhanced with the look and durability of tropical hardwood.

Waterside Bench The Dutch love water. When they walk over a little bridge, they will always lean over the railing to look into the water. Maybe you can see it stream, are there lilies, or even some fish! The waterside is a favourite spot to stop for a break, but the benches that are usually there, are all quite far away from the water and often there is a path and vegetation in front of it, blocking your view of the water when you sit down. The Waterside Bench offers you the chance, and challenges you, to sit right on top of the water. With a subtle balancing act, you hop onto the bench that leans over the water. Now, with dangling feet, you have a clear view of the water and the landscape beyond. Forget about the world for a bit, and dream away on the special seat that you just earned.

Nobelwood® is an innovative and sustainable replacement for tropical hardwood. The timber for NobelWood is sourced from the fastest growing pine forests in the world. These are managed in a responsible way and take up a high amount of CO2 during their fast growth. Under high pressure the timber is treated to the core with water soluble bio-polymers. The bio-resin is extracted from bagasse; an agricultural waste product from the sugar cane industry. The bio-resin gives NobelWood its brown color. During the heat treatment a polymerisation reaction is initiated. The bio-polymers bind with the wood cells. This results in great machinery properties, increased durability. For more information on Nobelwood visit Foreco's website

Waterside Bench Dangling feet above the water.

Waterside Bench Take one big step to get on!

Waterside Bench The first bench was donated to Landschap Overijssel. They placed it on the prettiest spot of their estate!

Waterside Bench A seemless installation with the help of Landschap Overijssel's workers.

Waterside Bench As close as you can get to experience the water!

Waterside Bench Its first visitors.

Waterside Bench On one side of the bench you find grip grooves that help you getting on and show how to do it.

Waterside Bench Taking a seat.

Waterside Bench & the local forester.