A lamp made from a washing machine drum, a stool made from scrap wood; designer Willem Heeffer spots the design potential in everyday waste objects and sets out to give them a stylish new purpose. Heeffer recently completed a beautiful new office for Mandala, a Helsinki-based travel agent and tour operator that offers a wide range of active holidays and adventure tours around the world. A long plywood table in front of the window is lit by upcycled drum lamps that are powder coated in the travel agency’s signature colors. The table’s clamp-on legs makes it easy to ship, store, and assemble at various trade shows.
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If it’s worth seeing, Mandala lets you see it with your own eyes – and now their office is an experience in itself. The office’s seating is unique and made from bits and pieces of reclaimed wood turned into colorful window seating and stools. During trip briefings the small space accommodates groups of 14 people tucked together as if they are already on the road.
Heeffer, a Dutchman who lives and works in Helsinki, Finland, aims in his work to create ‘mindful design’ that respects ecology and ethics. “I want my interiors to look chic and neat while staying true to my ethos.” The colorful dividing wall is a collection of reclaimed mix-and-match panels supplied by SITA, a waste solution company. Behind you will find tailored storage space for catalogues, maps and climbing gear. The new office is what they are all about: unique, colorful, adventurous, and above all mindful.
+ Willem Heeffer
