A Circular Vision in Interior Design
In the heart of Düsseldorf, Germany, urselmann interior, an innovative interior start-up, breathes life into the concept of circular design with its Circular Office. Architectural finesse meets environmental responsibility in this 74 square meters space, reimagining the traditional office into a sustainable haven. The year 2022 witnessed the realization of this vision, captured through the lens of Magdalena Gruber.
Circular Economy: A Call for Transformation
Addressing the alarming statistic that the construction industry contributes to 60% of total waste generation, urselmann interior champions a vital shift towards a sustainable circular economy. Their philosophy dismisses the notion of waste, considering it as potential nutrients in the design process. The Circular Office stands as a testament to this transformative ideology.
Sustainable Interior Without Compromise
The young and dynamic team at urselmann interior showcases the viability of circular building practices today. The entire interior design revolves around materials that not only promote health but can also be disassembled by type, ensuring perpetual recyclability. The mission is to create a sustainable interior that seamlessly integrates with modern aesthetics, harmonizing functionality, design, and the use of eco-friendly materials.
Minimizing Construction Waste Through Design
Sven Urselmann, the owner of urselmann interior, emphasizes the significance of waste reduction during the renovation process. A staggering 4 tons of waste were generated during the removal of a damaged ceiling and one layer of the floor in the compact 74m² space. Recognizing the imperative to minimize environmental impact, the team prioritized waste avoidance during the design phase itself.
Material Innovation for Circular Living
Every material and product employed in the Circular Office aligns with the principles of circularity. Materials are either biodegradable (Biosphere), upcyclable in the technical cycle (Technosphere), or repurposed construction products (ReUse). Mechanically crafted joints eliminate the need for adhesives, promoting a cleaner and more sustainable approach. Following the concept of urban mining, a detailed material passport catalogs all used materials, paving the way for future reuse.
Beyond Office Space: A Living Laboratory
The Circular Office transcends its role as a conventional workspace; it serves as a co-working space, showroom, and most importantly, a testing laboratory. Sven Urselmann highlights the freedom the team gained in experimenting with new materials and understanding their long-term behavior. This hands-on experience, coupled with Sven’s background as a trained carpenter, adds a layer of expertise to their commitment to sustainable practices.
Toward a Circular Tomorrow
In late 2020, urselmann interior embarked on a transformative journey, reevaluating their planning and manufacturing processes. The ultimate aim is a complete transition to a circular economy based on the Cradle to Cradle philosophy. Guided by the principle “nutrient remains nutrient,” all materials used in their designs should circulate perpetually, embracing either the Biosphere or Technosphere cycles. The Circular Office serves as a beacon, illuminating the path toward a sustainable and circular future.
