'I try to create products that change a certain behavior' - Floris Schoonderbeek
Floris Schoonderbeek is a designer and inventor of products that help himself and others to live a rich and sustainable life. To do so, he likes to test techniques, both old and new, in the hopes they can help us change our behavior and enrich our lives. Over the years, he has designed many iconic products for Weltevree, like the Dutchtub, Guidelight, Forestry Table and many more. We spoke to him to find out more about the things that drive him to new ideas and designs.
How would you describe your design philosophy?
The designs I create come from a user need and these ideas start within myself. They often come to me when I miss something in my life. I build upon these ideas and do not base my designs on things like shape preference or experiments with materials. When developing my ideas on new types of use, I always try to shape them into a simple and clear form.
As a designer, your main goal is to “provide for an independent and sustainable existence”. How do you achieve this?
I test things. I try out old or new techniques to see how they work, but also to find out what the experience of that technique is. I believe we have all the tools we need to stop the destruction of the earth. We need to change our behavior and that is what is interesting to me. I try to create products that change a certain behavior, products that help us find new sustainable values through new techniques or user scenarios.
Last year, you spent some time on a road trip to test sustainable techniques. Could you tell us more about this?
At the start of the lockdown last year, I created the Fieldstation, a self-built camper and mobile workshop. I wanted to use it for road trips later on in the year where I would test and experience sustainable techniques together with other specialists. The goal was to come up with new insights that could potentially result in new products. This was a very cool thing to do and our findings actually led to five new products. The most exciting ones to share are the Sunstove, a table which allows you to cook using the sun, and the Airsteamers, a ‘vegetarian barbecue installation’ that is stoked in a very clean and economical way. It allows for healthier cooking, both for yourself and your surroundings!
Why is sustainability an important theme to you?
It isn’t just a theme to me, but a requirement, a necessity. Our wealth and welfare have done a lot of damage. We have become addicted to it. But exactly this addiction to products and innovation can help us do things differently. Everyone will have to find their own way of contributing from their own discipline. For me, my contribution is in the creation of products that connect you to your surroundings. Your physical surroundings as well as your social surroundings. The goal is to get more quality out of life with less.
Speaking of sustainability, can you explain how this is intertwined in the design of the Forestry Table?
The Forestry Table was a joint quest with the Forestry Commission. They asked how they could improve the outdoor furniture at their holiday houses to a more attractive and better standard, all within the budgets. A lot of their money went to the maintenance of these furniture sets. This inspired us to create a sturdy set of local wood that didn’t require any maintenance. After 5 to 10 years the wooden boards can just be replaced by their own harvested wood. This is why the design has a strong and durable frame covered by thick Douglas wood from the Dutch forests. The frame will stand the test of time and the wood will age nicely. After many years of enjoyment, you can replace the wooden boards.
Which one of your designs are you most proud of?
I can’t really choose just one. There are so many different aspects and moments that make my work special and fun. If I had to choose one, the Dutchtub has been making me proud for 18 years now. It’s very special to me that people are so enthusiastic about it and that the Dutchtub is what brings the people, the place and the moment together.
Another successful design is the Guidelight. Could you tell us more about this product?
The Guidelight was inspired by my need for one lamp which could function as both a flashlight for adventures as well as a romantic lantern. These are two completely different needs, but I was convinced I should be able to combine them into one great product. The Guidelight is the result of this constant search that came from this user need. It can be complex sometimes to keep designs simple, but I feel like I really achieved that here. For example, it is remarkable how children react to the Guidelight and how intuitively they use it. That, to me, is the highest possible achievement.
One of my favorite experiences with the Guidelight is when I chased away an intruder in my garden using my Guidelight as a flashlight. When I saw it was the neighbor looking for his cat, we ended up chatting around the Guidelight’s soft light for a while!
Like us, you value being outside and discovering your surroundings. What would be the ultimate “Weltevree moment” you would recommend to people?
Timing: not what, but when. It gives you a lot of freedom to visit places at times when there is no one else. I personally try to travel through the Netherlands outside of the standard seasons and peak moments. Nature is just as pretty on a random day in the week, late in fall, or when it’s not sunny. This lets you experience your surroundings in a very different way to how you would on a sunny and crowded Sunday afternoon. When you go outside on days with bad weather you will always be rewarded with a surprising and unexpected beauty.
Finally, is there something you would like to be remembered for?
I have a wish to contribute to a better living environment and changing culture. It would be nice if people would remember me as a designer who kept introducing new things to enrich their lives.
Would you like to know more about Floris Schoonderbeek? Follow him on one of his social media accounts or have a look on his website: florisschoonderbeek.com
Designs by Floris Schoonderbeek
DUTCHTUB ORIGINAL
US$8,393.00
Experience nature from within the Dutchtub original and experience the luxury of outdoor bathing. The iconic wood-fired hot tub allows you to fully relax in your own backyard all year round. The Dutchtub Original is made of polyester and a steel coil. The water at the bottom of the tub is drawn in through the coil and heated by the fire of the wood-burning stove. The water flows into the tub and in this way uses natural circulation of the water. The Dutchtub holds 600 liters of water per splash.The Dutchtub is comfortable, a real eye-catcher and with its 75 kilos it is easy to move. To make moving it even easier, the Hand Trailer is available separately in the Webshop. Place the Dutchtub in a nice spot in the garden, heat the water and lower yourself into the water. Close your eyes and focus on your surroundings and the sounds around you. Combined with a drink, the Dutchtub is a cozy drinking spot for an evening with friends. The design of this special hot tub is by Floris Schoonderbeek. The Dutchtub comes with an insulation mat to heat and protect the tub faster outside use. In addition, you will receive a wok, which can be used to cook over the heating coil. Relax in the warm water, enjoy being outside and prepare something delicious in the wok at the same time.
The tub seats four people and reaches a temperature of 38 degrees within about 2 hours. Complete the Dutchtub Original with a variety of accessories. Also explore our other Dutchtub models here.
DUTCHTUB WOOD
US$9,513.00
The Dutchtub Wood is the brother of the Dutchtub Original. But as brothers often are, they are completely different. Unlike the colored Dutchtub Original, the Dutchtub Wood has a natural look: the tub is covered with wood panels, allowing the tub to completely blend into its surroundings. The Dutchtub Wood is one of Weltevree's iconic wood-fired hot tubs. The outdoor natural-look tub can accommodate up to four adults. The Dutchtub comes with an insulation mat to heat and protect the tub faster outside use. In addition, you will receive a wok, which can be used to cook over the heating coil. Relax in the warm water, enjoy being outside and prepare something delicious in the wok at the same time.The Dutchtub Wood is finished with wooden Plato panels, which have undergone thermal treatment to ensure durability. The water is heated by natural circulation. This is done by lighting a wood fire in the steel coil attached to the Dutchtub. A side table for the Dutchtub Wood can be ordered on the website.
FORESTRY TABLE
US$3,493.00
The Forestry Table is a dinner table made of Douglas fir wood originating from Dutch forests. The wood is assembled with steel bow-tie wood joints. The wood will eventually develop a natural grey patina when left untreated. It is available in a Raw and Refined version. The Forestry Tables are made from wood sourced from Dutch forests in cooperation with Staatsbosbeheer (a Dutch government organization for forestry and the management of nature reserves). The Forestry Table is available in different sizes, fitting 6, 8 or 12 people. To extend the life of your furniture, it is good to give it an oil treatment once a year.
Various options from US$3,213.00
STRINGLIGHT
US$530.60
The Stringlight with mouth-blown glass shades provides cheerful mood lighting for indoors and outdoors. The glass shades are colored and coated and can remain outdoors year-round. The mouth-blown shades transform a classic lamprey into the charming Stringlight. The Stringlight is available in white and multi-colored. Hang the Stringlight above the garden table, under the porch, or between trees. Enjoy your mood lighting during cozy drinks evenings and dinners in the garden.The Stringlight has the following features: 12 meter added cable.4 meters from the electrical plug until the first shade.2 meters between the last glass shade and the hook. 90 centimetres between each glass shade. The Stringlight must be attached at a minimum of 5 points to avoid too much pressure on the ends.
Light bulbs are included in delivery.
WATERWORKS
US$530.60
The Waterworks creates order and coziness around the water connection in the garden or balcony. The Waterworks includes a worktop and a perforated wall. The worktop has a recess where the included bucket fits perfectly. Easily hang your garden tools using the 3 included S-hooks. Use the Waterworks to rinse dirty boots, wash fresh fruit, prepare food on it or turn it into a mini bar with the bucket as a wine cooler! The Waterworks, designed by Floris Schoonderbeek, upgrades your outdoor faucet into a water station and outdoor sink all in one! The wall unit is weatherproof thanks to its powder coating and is available in RAL 7033.
FIELDCHAIR
US$320.60
Simplicity at its best: the clever construction makes this Fieldchair Lounge Chair very comfortable and easy to store. Find a nice spot in the garden and unfold the chair. Lean back and relax while enjoying the sunset, a good book or the crackling fire of the Outdoor oven. Grab a Sheepscoat for extra comfort. The Weltevree Fieldchairs, designed by Floris Schoonderbeek, are made of sustainable Larch wood. To extend the life of your furniture, we suggest you to give it an oil treatment annually. With proper maintenance, folding and winter storage, you can enjoy the Fieldchairs for years to come.