Successful products are often followed by copycats. Over the past year we have become aware of an increase in reproductions of the Linea range attempting to create a similar aesthetic at a lower price. This can compromise the overall durability and environmental credentials of projects being delivered, affect ongoing maintenance requirements, and in some instances pose a risk of injury to the public.
The design of Linea is deceptively simple while delivering exceptional attention to detail. Details matter not only for beauty, but also for providing durability, and safety, that will last decades. Linea strictly uses the highest quality and sustainable materials, has passed rigorous strength tests, and is designed for longevity, with easily replaceable parts. The product range is the result of hundreds of hours of research and development and extensive capital investment.
If you are considering a product with a similar aesthetic, we encourage you to examine the quality and to ask questions:
Does it look right? Are all the parts aligned and battens fully encapsulated?
Is it strong? Does it use thick stainless steel frames or a cheaper material?
Is it safe? Are edges rounded? How wide are the gaps? Are there protruding fixings?
Is it corrosion-resistant? (Avoid powder coated mild steel in coastal locations.)
Are powder coat finishes appropriately pre-treated and fade-resistant long-term?
Is it comfortable and tested for ergonomics?
Is it accessible or compliant with AS1428.2?
Is it easy to maintain? Can parts be easily replaced from a reputable brand?
How is this product being environmentally responsible and minimising carbon emissions at production stage and throughout its lifespan?
Is there a comprehensive family of products to wholly furnish the precinct?
ORIGINAL VS REPRODUCTION
Below are some examples of how the original Linea compares to reproductions out in the field.
Linea Seat.
Others: Inferior design and frame materials requires additional gussets for reinforcement.
Linea Platform.
Others: platform.
Linea: battens are neatly encapsulated with precise tolerances.
Others: loose and misaligned battens. Aluminium woodgrain is mixed with hardwood.
Linea: discreet tamper-resistant fixings are either flush or recessed.
Others: protruding nutserts on the backrest which may cause injury.
Installing an outdoor product for long-term public use can be a great responsibility. Providing well considered, and high quality and safe public spaces has been proven to bring joy, health and well-being to our communities.
Often it is tempting to pursue a low-cost solution for short term savings. However, investing in the best in design quality and tried-and-tested products can result in far greater return on investment, and minimise the risk of potential injury to the public, and reduce ongoing costs in the long run.
Investing in quality is also good for our planet. We urge our clients and partners to buy less, ensure your right to repair and reduce maintenance long-term, to deliver delightful public space experiences for decades to come.
Detail matters – not only for beauty but for durability in the public realm.
Linea products are designed to enhance their surrounding environment.
The Linea collection initially launched with ten core products, this has expanded to 16 (and counting).
Linea products mix and match, and complement each other when placed side-by-side.
Site-specific tailoring is also available through etched custom artwork. Specified by Vee Design for Clarence Valley Council.
We hope this article has provided valuable assistance to clients in making informed decisions.
Street Furniture Australia and US partner Spruce & Gander in March hosted landscape architects from California and Texas on a visit to Sydney to experience a factory tour, site visits and a new product launch. The American landscape architects represented MJS Landscape Architecture, RHAA Landscape Architecture + Planning, TBG Partners, Avid Trails and Ten Eyck Landscape Architects. Over a week-long trip the guests were treated to famous sights of Sydney including the iconic Bondi Beach, a harbour cruise and dining at top restaurants in urban Surry Hills and the new Barangaroo precinct. Travelling to Regents Park in Western Sydney, they toured the Street Furniture Australia factory to see first-hand how products are designed, made and shipped all over the world. This included meeting the production team, industrial designers and engineers. …
Melissa Gerke, our Communications and Education Specialist, is bringing a fun, interactive and informative presentation about our carbon neutral journey and latest products to customers in cities around Australia and in the US. In 30 minutes (plus Q&A) we will explore materials and finishes, touch and feel samples, and bond with your colleagues over delicious treats. There will also be a mystery prize for a lucky winner (optional). 2024 cities and dates include: Select from three catering options (optional): To book, contact Melissa Gerke mgerke@streetfurniture.com
Successful products are often followed by copycats. Over the past year we have become aware of an increase in reproductions of the Linea range attempting to create a similar aesthetic at a lower price. This can compromise the overall durability and environmental credentials of projects being delivered, affect ongoing maintenance requirements, and in some instances pose a risk of injury to the public. The design of Linea is deceptively simple while delivering exceptional attention to detail. Details matter not only for beauty, but also for providing durability, and safety, that will last decades. Linea strictly uses the highest quality and sustainable materials, has passed rigorous strength tests, and is designed for longevity, with easily replaceable parts. The product range is the result of hundreds of hours of research and development …
Curve the Linea range with horizontal or vertical battens, timber or aluminium, freestanding or fixed to the ground, to a wall or plinth. Use standard or custom curves to realise your vision in any landscape. Our industrial designers have applied a deep understanding of material practicalities to craft the aluminium Linea Curved Seat, and timber Linea VT Curved Seat, blending form and function with our signature quality, durability and ease of maintenance. Designed in consultation with landscape architects, both products offer the ability to tailor curves to fit project requirements. The two distinct options are: Aluminium: Linea Curved Seat and Bench Innovative backrest design, available in Wood Without Worry or colour powdercoated aluminium battens. Timber: Linea VT Curved Seat and Bench Vertically-oriented, hand-cut battens featuring PEFC-certified Spotted Gum hardwood. Linea …
Linea VT, a premium extension of the Linea range, is a meticulously-crafted all-timber collection with vertically-oriented battens. Artisanal hand-cut and shaped quarter-bullnose hardwood battens are housed within Linea’s stainless steel frames for incredible strength. Seats and benches, both straight and curved, make for configurations that cater to diverse needs, with a cohesive design language. Linea VT Seat Linea VT Seat (LVS10, 2100mm) with armrests, eco-certified hardwood battens, Palladium Silver frame. Linea VT Curved Seat Linea VT Curved Seat (LVS10-C) convex and concave, eco-certified hardwood, Textura Monument frame. Linea VT Bench Linea VT Bench (LVB6, 1500mm) plinth-fixed with eco-certified hardwood battens, Lobster Red frame. Linea VT Curved Bench Linea VT Curved Bench (LVB6-C) wall-fixed with eco-certified hardwood battens, Textura Doe Skin frame. Go ‘standard’ or ‘tailored’ Select a standard seat or …
Introducing 5 more Linea products. The Linea range is sleek and minimalist yet extremely strong with stainless steel frames. The R&D team has recently released 5 new products: Linea Platform, Linea Lookout Table, Linea Bollard, Linea Bicycle Stand and Linea Sun Lounge to further boost the range. See the updated Linea Brochure for further information including technical details, colour chart and configurations. You can also book a 10-minute Tea Time presentation via Zoom. Receive a complimentary T2 tea care package (optional). Introducing Earthy Pastels We are also excited to release Earthy Pastels, a new colour range to create a fun and contemporary Linea palette. Request for free samples. Linea Platform A platform with levels A bench and table in one, with optional ‘Hill’ that can be used as a backrest, small table, …
