Botanical

The Sculptural Elegance of Helen Kontouris’ Botanical Planter Screens

Helen Kontouris’ storied portfolio is replete with designs marrying organic form and imagination. An illustrious blend of “dreams, process & creativity,” her pieces are nothing short of sensory and intimate artistry. A stand-out creation from her oeuvre is the Botanical Planter Screens. It seamlessly stitches together art and ecology, drawing its essence from Kontouris’ love for nature and the world around her.

Drawing inspiration from her rejuvenating sojourns to the Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne, Kontouris has masterfully imbued her planter screens with the healing touch of nature, creating the ultimate bridge between the urban and the natural. “There is nothing more beautiful, inspiring and grounding than nature in all its forms,” Helen reflects. Her screens, intertwined with climbing plants, exude the serenity of botanical gardens and encapsulate her ethos: “I want people to feel that they are connected with nature and nourished.”

Delving deeper into the anatomy of these planters reveals an intricate construction underpinned by a blend of lightweight aluminium at the base and stainless steel for the upper mesh sections. Designed for flexibility and movement, the castor wheels embed the freedom to play with space, enhancing the modularity of the screens. The matte finish, reminiscent of sand-blasting, offers a tactile experience, further elevating the luxury aesthetic.

Speaking of the collection, there’s a captivating narrative in the choice of the Botanical Waratah and Botanical Wattle. The Waratah, utilitarian and linear, allows for a green wall of serenity, while the Wattle, with its rounded square form, evokes the skeletal structure of a leaf. Both pieces harmoniously complete the collection, offering variety in form and function.

These planters, however, are more than just visually pleasing. Serving as living green acoustic partitions, they provide a modular solution for demarcating spaces, promoting productivity and overall well-being. Kontouris reflects on this, stating, “It was important to create a living planter screen that would appear almost sculptural in form so that the visual strength of the product was evident, whilst the plant had time to grow and mature.”

Outdoor versatility and durability are also intrinsic to the design. Designed to endure sun, weather, and water gracefully, these screens are built to last, serving as timeless pieces for any setting. Their environmental considerations are commendable as well. With the self-watering wicking method, maintenance is minimised, promoting healthier plants. The 100% recyclable aluminium underpinning the screens ensures they leave a minimal carbon footprint.

In the bustling cacophony of our urban lives, where nature often feels like an elusive dream, the Botanical Planter Screens offer an escape, a gentle reminder of the world outside. With our environments often devoid of the refreshing embrace of nature, these screens revive our spaces, bridging the gap between urbanity and the organic. Kontouris’ journey, enriched by travel, culture, and people, manifests beautifully in these planters.

The Botanical Planter Screens stand as a testament to Helen Kontouris’ visionary approach that challenges conventions while celebrating beauty. A harmonious union of form and function, these screens, particularly the Waratah and Wattle, showcase a unique vision of luxury, sustainability, and elegance. As we place these planters in our spaces, we’re not just adding a touch of greenery but also inviting in a narrative, a story shaped by the designer’s profound experiences and love for the world.

To learn more about Softscape, please speak to one of our team or contact our distribution partner for Australia at Stylecraft. For all international enquiries, please get in touch with us at info@lenfurniture.com.