Our story
In response to the slowly emerging ‘chaos’ of unrestrained plant growth - both in size and numbers - and the increasing challenge of maintaining our plants and living space, we embarked on a journey to design an aesthetic, functional and universal solution for our growing plant community. The result is the modular and freestanding Bio.frame.
2019
By envisioning our plant collection as living art, we began imagining how it could shape a natural and relaxed atmosphere in our home - and the idea of the Bio.frame was born.
2020
Early inspiration and miniature models (scale 1:5) explored Memphis-style asymmetric shapes and vibrant colour palettes, informing the artistic direction.
2021
Three initial models emerged, demonstrating a modular and freestanding design suited to tiny spaces, with their architecture and a unique three-layered joining technique tested through the first prototypes.
2022
After 16 prototypes and caring for 350 plants, we began to understand the remarkable impact indoor plants can have on a space. We also began exploring how the Bio.frame could serve different uses by moving it as our living space changed.
2023
The functional use was explored extensively after introducing a new rectangular frame section (R-section) alongside the existing triangular frame section (T-section). This expanded the original family of three into a small community of models, opening a wide variety of possible uses.
2024
The final aesthetics began to take shape, in part due to introducing the horisontal steel connector (right) in place of its hardwood equivalent (left). This change was significant, bringing the design fully in line with our goal of creating a light, elegant structure with built-in strength and durability.
2025
What began as a journey to resolve the many practical challenges of hosting a large indoor plant collection had, over time, revealed the true essence of the Bio.frame once we could experience it in use: the ability to custom-design and apply it to practical functions, and enjoy the benefits of living in a botanical-inspired indoor environment.
The Bio.frame name was invented because it uniquely describes what we had been trying to achieve all along; applying biophilic design to our living spaces by using a physical framework to help us host and maintain our plant collection while being tailored to very specific use and appearance.
2026
Monarda was chosen as our name to express the connection to the natural world and our vision: Living inspired by flora.
Monarda (Didyma) is a genus of flowering plants, which includes the Scarlet Beebalm, Bergamot, Oswego Tea, and Crimson Beebalm. Monarda honors Nicolas Monardes, a Spanish physician whose early herbal works introduced European audiences to the rich flora of North America.
Behind the 3D scenes
Since its inception, Bio.frame has been designed in highly accurate 3D (1:1, +/- 0.5 mm) renderings and drawings, to visualise many aspects of the design - such as framing, shelving, joinery and variations - covering more than 20 prototypes and 10 display models, all build, tested and trialed in different interior environments.
We continue to use our virtual studio to visualise and dimension all model designs including helping with custom model design to achieve the right match - be it for a home or a workplace.
