A platform for design talent

'Last year was our first introduction to Teun,' recalls marketer Martijn Beks of Gielissen. 'We met him through photographers Jeroen and Oscar from About Today, with whom we have a great partnership. They have a tradition of offering their photo studio to young design talent during Dutch Design Week—a wonderful initiative. So when they asked if we'd help bring this expo to life, we naturally said yes.'

'That's how we got to know Teun,' Martijn continues, 'and his work immediately inspired us. It's so creative and pure. It makes you see waste materials in a whole new light.' In his creations, you can recognize materials that many would dismiss as junk. 'Take his collection of furniture made from leftover CNC-milled parts, for example. Teun has a remarkable ability to transform these remnants into high-quality furniture, showcasing true craftsmanship.'

Blank check

'This year, we've once again committed to providing a platform for Teun,' Martijn explains. 'Literally, by supplying the stage and walls—which will return to our warehouse after the expo—and figuratively, by granting him access to our workshop. We essentially gave Teun a blank check: any leftover material that sparks his creativity is available to him.'

'It was amazing to see Teun’s head fill with ideas during a walk through our workshop,' Martijn shares. 'His creativity made us look at our waste materials in a new way as well. It’s actually a goldmine.' In the end, Teun left with a few cans of old paint and a large batch of cardboard, previously used as packaging material.

Instagrammable hotspot

'Teun came back several times, mainly to pick up more cardboard.' This led to the presentation you now see at Dutch Design Week: an interior made entirely of cardboard, including a cardboard toilet and heater, serving as the backdrop for his collection. 'Only one person could come up with that. Teun’s creative spirit just makes you happy. It’s also one of the most Instagrammable DDW hotspots this year.'

Gielissen warmly encourages Teun to continue experimenting with leftover materials. 'In recent years, we've invested heavily in maximizing the use of every sheet of wood through smart software and equipment,' says Martijn. 'But in our industry, where every project is unique with often challenging shapes, leftover material is inevitable. How fantastic is it when a creative mind like Teun utilizes that material down to the last centimeter?'

Visit the exhibition

Curious about Teun's work? Visit his exhibition from October 19 to 27 at Piet Hein Eek on Strijp R in Eindhoven.