What if public seating could feed the planet instead of the landfill?
Over the past six months, Polynova has proudly collaborated with designer Zoe Wang to bring a bold idea to life — the Worm Bench, a playful, living piece of street furniture that combines sustainability, design innovation, and a touch of playfulness.
Part of the City of Melbourne’s initiative to explore sustainable public furniture, the Worm Bench transforms organic waste into fertile compost right on the street. Hidden beneath the seating is a functioning worm farm, quietly working away as passers-by rest, chat, and enjoy the city.
Polynova worked closely with Zoe to translate her concept into a durable, modular structure that could thrive outdoors — balancing engineering precision with the handcrafted charm that defines her design. The final prototype features scalloped aluminium panels, integrated ventilation, and a lid for maintenance, all finished in soft coastal tones and natural timber.
The bench was fabricated in-house by our team using modular manufacturing methods, aligning with Polynova’s ethos of sustainable design, made locally.
Now installed in just outside Susuro Wine bar in Port Melbourne, the Worm Bench invites the public to rethink waste — turning everyday composting into a shared community act. Visitors are encouraged to take a seat, meet the worms, and see how design can spark both conversation and change.
We’re thrilled to see the Worm Bench in action and to have been part of this imaginative step towards a greener urban future.
Produced by Polynova. Designed by Zoe Wang at Upsoil Collective. Supported by City of Melbourne.