Greenmood introduces the Cruz Planter, a series of unique pieces designed and built in collaboration with Alain Gilles.

Father to the Design Collection of Greenmood, Alain Gilles expresses his two main design approaches as “simplexity” – the creation of simple yet complex designs – and “new simplicity”, in which he creates designs that have a true identity, but which require minimum use of material.

Alain Gilles' main inspiration comes from the world of architecture, the symmetry and robustness of different buildings, and the way in which light plays with these figures. He is interested in human interactions with an object, and he seeks to ensure that his work has a graphical aspect that can be properly understood.

“Overall, my aim is to design pieces that are fresh, that can evolve over time, that are strong and graphic enough to be easily read and remembered, and thus that could one day become classics.” he says.

Handmade with the use of sustainable fiber cement material, the Cruz Planter holds multiple practical properties that make it far more attractive than usual planters. This material keeps the plants safe from termites and, thanks to its thickness, the temperature inside the planter stays at a steady range, keeping the roots safe from extensive heat or cold. Moreover, its heavy weight provides good support to any type of flora, drastically reducing the risk of falling down, whether by an accidental push or due to windy weather conditions.

The cross-shaped support, made of stained oak wood, acts as a well balanced pillar for the heavy and curved construction, while also making it easier to move around.

When creating the collection, the aim of the company was to redirect the previous mindset, solely focused on preserved plants, towards all possibilities offered by the world of Biophilic Design, while taking it a step further by creating a product that integrates living plants into designer products.