Maker's Story

Walter and Rutger have combined the love for their craft in a project called Meubels van de Molen: Meubels van de Molen translates the primal forces of a wood sawing windmill with traditional techniques into a contemporary furniture collection that can stand the test of time.

The Process

The Meubels van de Molen collection consists of several pieces of furniture and a series of smaller utensils crafted from mill-sawn wood, reflecting the artisanal atmosphere and fundamental principles of a historic sawmill. The products are handcrafted from wood harvested in the Netherlands and sawn by wind force.

Environmentally conscious processing
The makers choose an environmentally conscious and energy-efficient method of preserving wood, using the traditional but proven technique of watering. Depending on the wood species, unsawn logs are left in flowing water like a river for several months or even several years. During this process, sugars and nutrients are released from the logs, making the wood—once sawn and dried—more resistant to rot and pests. An added benefit is that the wood "works" less, resulting in a final product that retains its beauty longer.

Products

Q&A

What motivates you to make?

For us, making is a way to make stories tangible. Every grain in the wood, every imperfection carries a history—and we feel privileged to further shape it. The idea that something we create will become part of someone's home for years to come, perhaps even for generations, motivates us deeply.

What and/or who are you most inspired or influenced by?

Our greatest source of inspiration is the primal forces you can feel in a sawing windmill as it braces itself against the rising wind. We are also guided by the stories and desires of our customers. Their ideas often form the basis for a design we could never have imagined ourselves.

What is your unique approach to your craft and how have you honed your skills?

We combine traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design. We believe in furniture that is both aesthetic and durable, furniture that can last for generations. The refinement of our craft comes from learning every day and letting our experience shine through in our results.

What is your defining or proudest moment as a maker so far?

One of the most beautiful moments was when we struck up a conversation with a passerby during an exhibition. We shared our story about our approach with wind-sawn local wood, our artisanal approach, and the guarantee that everyone involved in the process of creating our objects enjoyed their work. This man became visibly moved by our story, surrounded by our products. He stammered, "So it ís possible..." His emotional reaction proved to us that MeubelsvandeMolen are not just ordinary objects, but bearers of stories.

What is your dream project?

Our dream is to create a complete interior for a special place—for example, a cabin in the woods or a studio by the sea—where all the furniture is coordinated. A comprehensive project that brings together our craftsmanship, our style, and the power of natural materials. A space that feels like a story you're entering, a space that feels palpably right.”