Circular Office in Düsseldorf: A Sustainable Interior by urselmann interior

Embracing Circular Design in Office Interiors

The Circular Office in Düsseldorf, designed by urselmann interior, is a pioneering example of sustainable, circular interior architecture. Recognizing that the construction industry generates approximately 60% of total global waste, the team approached their office renovation with a bold vision: eliminate waste and design interiors that are fully recyclable.

From the outset, the project focused on healthy, sustainable materials that can be dismantled, separated, and recycled permanently, proving that modern aesthetics and environmental responsibility can coexist.

A Circular Approach to Materials

During the renovation, even a small area of 74 m² generated 4 tons of waste from ceiling and floor layers alone, highlighting the urgent need for circular strategies in interior design. Sven Urselmann, founder of urselmann interior, emphasized: "Our focus from the design phase was to prevent construction waste entirely."

All materials in the office fall into one of three categories:

• Biosphere: Biodegradable materials
• Technosphere: Upcyclable technical materials
• ReUse: Previously used construction products

Furniture joints are assembled mechanically, avoiding adhesives, while products like radiators and lighting were sourced via urban mining platforms such as Concular. A comprehensive material passport documents every element for future reuse.

An Experimental and Functional Workspace

The office functions not just as a workspace but also as a co-working hub, showroom, and experimental laboratory. The team tests new materials, studies their long-term behavior, and develops innovative, circular design strategies. As a trained carpenter, Sven emphasizes the tactile and experimental interaction with materials, allowing the space itself to guide sustainable design decisions.

Towards a Cradle-to-Cradle Future

Since 2020, urselmann interior has been rethinking traditional planning and manufacturing processes, following the Cradle to Cradle philosophy. By designing all constructions to be circular, decomposable, and upcyclable, materials are ensured to remain valuable nutrients in perpetual cycles. This project demonstrates how sustainable office interiors can lead the way in circular economy practices, combining eco-consciousness, functionality, and contemporary aesthetics.

All Photographs are works of Magdalena Gruber