“One step closer to nature” has always been central to the Ha’ brand, starting with the very first range of products: vases inspired by fruit and musical instruments. The brand's latest release sees designer Sebastian Bergne return to the world of flora with the creation of Husk planters for indoor use. Here, Bergne sheds light on some of the stories behind their design and development.

Please introduce your design philosophy for the Ha’ brand.

The aim is to make products that give access to nature, taking them from a traditional Japanese context to a contemporary, international audience. They are essential, functional, made well using fine materials, long-lasting and, therefore, beautiful.

What was the starting point for the new Husk planters?

The range has relatively simple ambitions as good-quality home pots that function well over time and take into account the growth of both your plants and contemporary living spaces.

Why did you decide to create them and the cork trays now?

The first Ha’ range was a family of vases. Next was the Horizon matcha and tea range. After that, it felt natural to return to indoor plants, a more sustainable approach to enjoying plants at home. This resulted in the new Husk range.

The trays came about through a meeting with an excellent producer of sustainable cork products in Portugal. The quality of the materials and craftsmanship inspired the creation of trays to complement the serving of teas. Cork also provides a perfect buffer between the durable ceramic and sensitive surfaces around the home.

What was the reasoning behind the forms, sizes, colours and materials?

It is important to me that all Ha’ products are practical and made using the materials and skills of the brand’s hometown, Hasami. The sizes relate to the sizes of plants when they are bought and then perhaps a year later. Beyond that, the colours and finishes needed to be in keeping with a natural, contemporary home and Ha’ products in general.

How did you develop the designs through trial and error?

I usually start with establishing the practical constraints and the needs over the lifespan of a product. I looked at standard sizes of plants when they are sold and the existing popular pot shapes, then began by searching for how we might be able to offer something a little new. From there it was a process of designing, prototyping, testing and adjusting until we had something that worked in terms of design, manufacturing and the market.

How are they designed to be used?

Although all our products have a clear intended function, I also believe that it’s ok to improvise with how one uses simple vessels. Tea bowls for coffee or a vase for keeping your pens. This is a simple creative act, human nature.

What role did the gardeners at Chiswick House play?

My studio is now in the Victorian stables behind Chiswick House, next to the magnificent kitchen garden, so I am part of a community of working gardeners, volunteers and artists. It seemed only natural to ask the professional gardeners to check my design proposals. I was discreetly complimented by them in that my proposal was ‘fine’.

What does Ha’s theme mean to you?

“One step closer to nature” means that wherever or however you live, Ha’ products allow you to take a step closer to the benefits offered by enjoying and respecting different aspects of nature.