Escofet 1886 / Bench and Planter
The Bilbao Collection by Escofet 1886
A bench and two planters in reinforced concrete, shaped as faceted boulders for squares and green zones. The curved surfaces give the solid material a calm, organic presence.
The Bilbao collection by Escofet 1886 brings together a bench and two planters for squares, parks and urban social spaces. The collection comprises three models: the Bilbao Banco bench and the Bilbao 467 L and Bilbao 120 L planters. All elements are cast in reinforced concrete with an acid-etched and hydrophobic-treated surface.
One design language for seating and greenery
The Bilbao collection by Escofet 1886 was designed by Josep Muxart and draws its form from the undulating titanium panels of the Guggenheim Museum facade in Bilbao. Both the bench and the planters are composed of curved and flowing surfaces, giving the reinforced concrete a soft, organic character.
In a public space, this design language acts as a point of rest. The bench resembles a block cut from a larger stone; the planters taper to a narrow point with gently curved faces. Seen from different angles, the volumes shift, making their presence lighter than their weight might suggest.
Bench and planter share the same material, the same finish and the same colour range. This allows them to be combined into a coherent whole: a seating area with a planted accent, a row of planters in varied orientations, or both elements spread across a square without breaking the visual line.
What sets the Bilbao collection apart
Shaped like a boulder
The bench and planters are cast as faceted volumes with curved faces. On a square or in a green zone, they act as a sculptural focal point that structures the space without overcrowding it.
Built for intensive use
The reinforced concrete with acid-etched and hydrophobic-treated surface withstands rain, frost and daily wear. The water-repellent treatment works from within and limits frost damage and soiling in heavily used locations.
Installation without major groundworks
The planters stand freely on three support points and require no anchoring. The bench can be placed freely or anchored with two tie rods. Each arrangement can be tailored to the location and adjusted at a later stage if needed.
Seating and greenery in one range
Because bench and planter share the same design language, finish and colours, they form a single furniture range. A local authority can combine seating and planting on a square without resorting to unrelated, mismatched products.
Where the Bilbao collection belongs
City squares and pedestrian zones
On a large city square, the placement of seating and planting shapes how people move through the space. A Bilbao bench with a few planters around it marks a resting point without obstructing movement lines. The form of the planters guides circulation gently, while the bench offers a place to pause.
Shopping streets and urban corridors
In a shopping street, street furniture must respect the flow of movement while still creating space to pause. The planters in two sizes allow the greenery to be scaled to the available width and can be arranged in varying orientations. The bench provides a brief resting point for those passing through the street.
Parks and green spaces
In a park or green space, a resting point calls for furniture that settles into the landscape. The concrete of the Bilbao collection evolves gradually in tone through sun and rain, so the elements blend into their surroundings over time. A bench placed among planted volumes forms a natural stopping point along a walking route.
Wondering which Bilbao model fits your project best?
Whether it concerns the right balance between seating and planting, the choice between freestanding and anchored installation, or aligning with the circulation of your square: we are glad to think along with your project. For architects and designers, we also make technical specifications available that you can integrate directly into your tender documents.
Ask a question Request specificationsThe three models of the Bilbao collection
Bilbao Banco bench
185 × 73 × 46 (70) cm | 712 kg
A sculptural bench with a low backrest and a longitudinal groove that prevents water from pooling.
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Bilbao Jardinera 120L planter
90 × 93 × 66 cm | 525 kg | 120 L
The compact planter for narrower spaces and varied arrangements.
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Bilbao Jardinera 467L planter
133 × 128 × 91 cm | 780 kg | 467 L
The large planter for structural planted accents on squares and wide corridors.
View this modelMaterials and finishes
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| Material | Reinforced concrete, cast and reinforced with stainless steel |
| Surface finish | Acid-etched |
| Treatment | Hydrophobic treatment (water-repellent treatment from within) |
| Bench colours | Grey (GR), Black (NG), White (BL), CA-Grey (CA), Red (RA) and Beige (BG) |
| Planter colours | Grey (GR), White (BL), CA-Grey (CA), Red (RA) and Beige (BG) |
| Anchoring options | Bench freestanding on paving or anchored via 2 tie rods; planters freestanding without anchoring |
| Planter drainage | Rectangular drainage opening of 7 × 7 cm |
| Guarantee | 5 years on the concrete elements |
Insights for designers
Projects featuring the collection
Discover how the Bilbao collection has been used in Belgian and Luxembourg projects.
View projectsFrequently asked questions
Reinforced concrete with an acid-etched and hydrophobic-treated surface lasts several decades under normal use. The water-repellent treatment protects the structure from within and limits frost damage and capillary soiling.
The Bilbao bench and planters are cast in reinforced concrete, strengthened with stainless steel. The surface is acid-etched and hydrophobic-treated, in the standard Escofet 1886 colour range. This finish gives the concrete a matt, even appearance and a water-repellent quality.
The bench can be placed freely on the paving or anchored with two tie rods; anchoring is recommended in busy locations or where there is an increased risk of displacement. The planters stand freely on three support points and require no anchoring. Both elements are lifted using polyester slings; note that a planter filled with growing medium is considerably heavier than its base weight.
The acid-etched concrete evolves gradually in tone through exposure to uv light and rain. This slow patination is inherent to the material and occurs evenly across the surface. The water-repellent treatment works from within and is independent of the colour change at the surface.
Yes. The bench and the two planters share the same design language, finish and colour range and are designed to be combined. An arrangement using the bench and planters in varying sizes and orientations creates a coherent social space with a planted accent.
Seating and greenery for your square
Servibo supports local authorities, designers and public institutions in composing street furniture suited to the scale and character of their spaces. We provide technical support, tender specifications and on-site advice.
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