The Kiulu Bench B was designed by Koichi Futatsumata for the brand Artek .
Futatsumata is based in the Japanese city of Fukuoka, where he works as an architect, engineer, and furniture designer all in one, although designing furnishings may be his strongest department. The Kiulu Bench B emerged from a partnership with Finnish brand Artek, which took inspiration from the saunas and public baths of Japan and Finland - incorporating familiar cylindrical shaped storage buckets and making extensive use of hardwoods.
More than a standard bench, the Kiulu Bench B cleverly combines household item storage compartments with seating, while featuring beautifully sculpted wooden elements. It measures 88 x 36 x 46 cm and has a seat height of 45cm, which provides an ideal position for towelling down after bathing or lacing up shoes before leaving the house. The bench is bracketed by a pair of semi-circular buckets and the whole structure has been made from solid birch, with birch veneer to add a surface sheen. Lightweight, adaptable, and comfortable to use, this fusion of Japanese and Finnish traditions will find its place in bathrooms, conservatories, and porches alike.