Posted by Lorenzo van Sichem
on June 02, 2022
The construction and design of his building prompted a search for acoustic furnishings. Marc Martojo, founder of DHM, explored various sustainable options and discovered i-did's baffles, lampshades, and pods, made from recycled felt. These items are characteristic of DHM's industrial and distinctive building: "Everything gets a second life here."
Baffles, lampshades and pods from i-did, made from recycled felt
Learn, earn & return
Sustainability and social responsibility are our two core values. This building is all about learning , earning , and returning . Earning is central here; we're an organization that needs to be self-sufficient. We need results and financial returns, but not at all costs. And the returns flow back into learning and our social activities. As Bill Gates says: there's a period in your life when you learn, a period when you perform, and a period when you're socially engaged. We say: why wait to give back? From day one, you're focused on performing, learning, and your social impact.
Baffles in DHM canteen: i-did, made from recycled felt
Everything gets a second life
I feel very strongly that the people who make up this company have a strong social drive and draw their energy from it. I think it's crucial that this is tangible and visible in everything we do. This is reflected in every detail of the building.
"Social impact has been important to us since our company's inception. For example, when purchasing new furniture, we always consider whether we can use secondhand or recycled items."
For example, the railway beams, which have had a long life, now serve as a stage for speakers. Our sofas come from the KPN lobby. Or the coffee maker – it ran on gas in the 1960s and has now been converted into a new appliance with a soul. "Everything gets a second life here."
Baffles in DHM canteen: i-did, made from recycled felt
Don't accept the status quo
The first thing that comes to mind when I think of learning is a delegation that recently visited. They are responsible for the Dutch infrastructure of the future. The project managers were here, and I explained how a financing principle can be applied to circularity and where the tension lies.
Upcycling increases your cost structure. Creativity is essential. By choosing an alternative product from a completely different sector, you lower the cost and create room for competitive production. Reuse then takes center stage.
You could immediately see that the group was inspired and started to think differently.
"I always try to promote learning and integrating the creative process. It's possible, but you shouldn't accept the status quo.
DHM logo
You can find these types of recycled felt in the DHM building
The baffles, lampshades and pods in the photos are produced with recycled felt in the following varieties: Efteling Forest Brown, Efteling Fairy Blue, Efteling Golden Touch & Banking Grey.
