A New Design Vision by Fumie Shibata
A new voice joins the Serralunga design universe: Fumie Shibata, internationally recognised for her human-centred approach and refined aesthetic.
Born in Yamanashi, Japan, Shibata has worked across multiple sectors, including furniture, homeware, healthcare technologies, and high-end hospitality design. Her projects stand out for their ability to combine:
• soft and precise geometries
• visual comfort and usability
• harmony between object and user
Her work has received prestigious awards such as:
• EDIDA Lighting Category Products Awards (2021)
• DFA Design for Asia Awards Grand Prize
• iF Design Award Gold Prize
• Red Dot Design Award
She is also a member of the Japan Design Committee and a professor at Tama Art University.
WAFFLE Planters: Texture, Material and Visual Lightness
WAFFLE is a collection of large designer planters created to integrate naturally into architectural and landscape contexts.
The defining feature is its three-dimensional honeycomb texture, precisely engraved across the surface. This pattern transforms the perception of volume, making the planter appear:
• lighter
• more dynamic
• visually welcoming
Unlike decorative finishes, the texture plays a structural and perceptual role—softening the presence of large-scale objects while enhancing their material identity.
Material Innovation: Polyethylene with a Soft Architectural Expression
WAFFLE planters are made of rotational-moulded polyethylene, a material widely used in contemporary outdoor furniture for its performance and versatility.
Key advantages include:
• high resistance to weather and UV exposure
• durability over time without loss of colour
• lightweight structure for easy positioning
• suitability for both indoor and outdoor environments
The surface texture interacts with light throughout the day, creating subtle variations of shadows that reduce the visual heaviness typical of large planters.
Applications: Indoor and Outdoor Design Scenarios
WAFFLE is designed to adapt to a wide range of environments, from residential to contract spaces.
Outdoor applications
• contemporary terraces
• rooftop gardens
• hospitality outdoor areas
• landscaped architectural spaces
Indoor applications
• entrance halls and lobbies
• open-plan living spaces
• retail environments
• office and contract interiors
In every context, WAFFLE introduces a calm visual rhythm that enhances both greenery and architectural composition.
A Balance Between Strength and Softness
One of the key design achievements of WAFFLE is its ability to combine:
• structural presence
• tactile sensitivity
• visual softness
The result is a modern designer planter that does not dominate the space but interacts with it—enhancing the environment while maintaining a sense of balance and harmony.
Finishes and Colours
The WAFFLE collection is available in:
• full range of standard Serralunga colours
• Moleskin finish, featuring a soft, matte, and velvety effect
The Moleskin version further enhances the perception of softness and material depth, making the planter even more refined in both indoor and outdoor settings.
Available Sizes
• WAFFLE LONG: length 86.5 cm – height 60 cm
• WAFFLE 65: diameter 65 cm – height 60 cm