History

We have been making our furniture for over 25 years, these years of experience taught us all the tricks of the trade and gave us the ability to combine modern techniques with traditional craftsmanship.

Our inspiration comes from the 19th century. Our designs are replicas of classical pieces such as those on the Titanic. We still use 19th century style cast iron, but more commonly we choose contemporary cast light alloy aluminium combined with the best quality aluminium. A number of our models have a completely aluminium design.

HOW WE BEGAN

It all began with a 64 kilo bench on a farmyard in Sint Oedenrode. It was claimed that the bench originated in Nottingham. Inspired by this model, designer Huub Manshanden created the very first park bench; “The Gaia”.

In 1975 the town of Utrecht asked Mr. Manshanden to solve a problem. The town was maintaining very old, worn out benches with the original supplier no longer to be found. With some notes on a notepad, Huub was able to successfully make an improved replica in his Vessem workshop. The original piece was made to be permanent; very heavy. Mr. Manshanden later decided on a lighter version with the seating consisting of two boards instead of the original three. He implemented the use of a rod to assemble the bench and replaced the unattractive joints with an original connective design. The “Copenhagen Bench” came to be.

After the town of Utrecht, the town of Tiel requested a design for an original bench. Starting “from scratch”, Huub designed The “Hermes Bench” with the town coat of arms on the armrest.

What started out as just a hobby became a serious business endeavour, when it officially registered with the Chamber of Commerce in the Brabant region of Vessem, under the name of “Carabas”. It became a collection of twenty 19th century inspired park benches with their own signature design by Huub Manshanden. Using his own designs, Mr. Manshanden produced wooden molds, applied many technical innovations, and worked on his own paint process. He made the models lighter, which therefore allowed them to be more portable and attractive for private use.

In 2001 he sold the company to the current owner in Weerselo, and the new name Gardeluxe was introduced. By ongoing product innovation the collection continues to be improved with Gardeluxe now offering a wide range of various models of benches, chairs, tables and waste bins.