TAKKENBANK
Pollard willows should be pruned every 2 to 4 years. To motivate people to take care of the willows and enjoy the local outdoors, the ´pruning waste´ can be used to build up the TAKKENBANK.
The start of the TAKKENBANK
As a child I made all kinds of things from the pruned branches of the willow trees in my parents’ garden. Willow branches are particularly straight in shape and therefore attractive to use. In 2014 I started an autonomous project where I wanted to turn local ´waste´ material into something new. This is how the idea for the ´TAKKENBANK´ (´branch bench´) came about.
Image: Visual of the design TAKKENBANK.
The role of pollard willows
Pollard willows are often found in low-lying areas along waters. They strengthen the banks with their roots, and many plants and animals benefit from their presence. To keep them healthy, pollard willows need to be pruned every 2 – 4 years. Nowadays, volunteers are often asked for this.
In the past, the branches were often used for things such as boundary lines, reinforcing banks and making objects such as brooms and baskets. Eventually, popularity declined and many of these solutions were replaced with factory-made goods.
Image: A row of willows that still need to be pollarded. The branches will be used as base material for the TAKKENBANK.
How the TAKKENBANK works
The TAKKENBANK is an outdoor bench consisting of two metal profiles that can be filled with pruned willow branches. The profiles of the bench are made of weather-resistant Corten steel. After some time, this metal alloy develops a characteristic thin layer of rust that acts as a natural protective layer.
Because the branches are relatively soft/young wood, they will lose their vitality after a number of years outside (depending on weather conditions). When the top layer of the TAKKENBANK starts to become brittle, it’s time to prune and replace the branches. The TAKKENBANK can serve as a reminder and incentive to prune the pollard willows again and keep them both in good condition.
Animation: Building a TAKKENBANK.
Collaboration with Van Aalsburg BV
In 2020 I entered into a partnership with Van Aalsburg BV. They have been working on sustainable willow products and services for more than 50 years. They saw my design via social media and indicated that they would like to put it into production. You can order the TAKKENBANK with or without branches via Van Aalsburg BV. This makes this Dutch garden bench accessible to everyone.
Image: The Takkenbank at Van Aalsburg´s stand during Tuinidee expo.