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Landscape Form's MultipliCITY collection J UNE 2015 | 29 Landscape Products H O T T I N G U P As the largest manufacturer of concrete planters on the West Coast, Sanderson has its finger on the pulse of the industry. "We've seen a lot of trends in planters," Arntorp laughs, "and the most recent trend leans towards simplicity." That means plenty of clean lines, with few details to distract from the architect's design. Finishes are smooth and simple, in shades of grey. More furnishings and fabrics than ever are being designed with the outdoors in mind. Both square and round fire pits, utilizing RomanStack and CottageStone, are now available from Mutual Materials, as are outdoor fireplace kits made entirely of TuscanStone. "Our new TuscanStone project kits allow for a multitude of other living projects – think garden walls, planters, lamp posts, stair treads and benches," says Vito Lore, Mutual Materials. But accessories don't just stop at fire pits. "Trends for the outdoor world have con- tinued to explode with more depth and variety," says Solus's Carpenter. Though Solus made its name with beautiful modern fire pits, this year sees the company embracing water features – the Water Bowl is new – but much like its fire products, this one is plug- and-play. "Having contractors spend weeks or months building your outdoor features like your fire pit or water fall is still common but not the only way to go," Carpenter notes. "Standing water features that require no exterior plumbing are an easy way to add an instant design element to the backyard. All you have to do is add water." S E AT Y O U R S E L F The backyard isn't the only place where life is moving outdoors. Public spaces like parks and plazas have always been designed with community in mind, but today's site furniture and landscape products incorporate a stronger sense of style, too. Or at least when Landscape Forms is involved – the company boasts some impres- sive collaborations. The 35 Collection, for example, was created in conjunction with design firm frog (the designers of the first Apple computer) and it takes its inspira- tion both from architecture and nature to create a perfectly 21st-century line of out- door pieces, from a winged shade structure to the sleek modern Chill chaise lounge. Landscape Forms' MultipliCITY collection was created in partnership with renowned designer Yves Behar and fuseproject; seats and table surfaces are pro- duced from locally-sourced hardwoods to create a truly global product, and every- thing is flat-shipped and assembled on delivery to reduce carbon emissions. Landscape architect Robert Chipman has collaborated with Landscape Forms as well, creating the IDEA award-winning Chipman chair alongside a line of life- style furnishings that look at home on cafe patios as they do on a private rooftop terrace. Architect Rick Reeder created an illuminated bike rack – inspired by the crease on a man's pant leg – for the company to provide wayfinding without clut- tering the view. Industrial designer Jess Sorel utilized Landscape Forms' propri- etary MeldStone material to create his Strata line, which includes a one-piece angled bench that allows for face-to-face conversation and a six-sided asymmetri- cal table that can be combined to make cell-like structures. Shade Sails are another way to truly enhance your backyard or public space while providing protection from the sun and creating a sense of privacy. Shade Sails Canada provides custom made and pre-cut shade sails using top quality cloth. The Sails are tripled stitched on each corner providing additional strength, while the extra wide webbed edge provides maximum strength and durability creating a better-looking Sail. "The pre-cut Sail is double-lock stitched with the highest grade UV protective thread. We manufacture quality Sails that last, using the best avail- able materials and threads," says Brydon Roe from Shade Sails. "Using only marine grade stainless steel ensures no wear or failure in their installations." Shade Sails Canada is currently working on a number of projects across Canada including interior privacy Sails at Toronto Airport and Shade Sails for outdoor sitting area at Kelowna International Airport. Other clients include the Toronto Zoo, the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology in Alberta and the Outlet Collection at Niagara mall. A PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY LANDSCAPE FORMS INC.

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