In the new "Aarlesche Erven" residential area in the municipality of Best, a residual waste stream from the harbor was given a surprising purpose. VERHEES PRODUCTS created a series of robust benches from used wooden mooring posts, complemented by metal bins. The result: sturdy, natural-looking furniture that can withstand wear and tear and invites residents to socialize.
From harbor post to park furniture
The inspiration came from the design: the landscape architect was looking for furniture with a robust appearance. Rogier Biekens, owner of VERHEES PRODUCTS, then showed reference images from a previous project at the prison in Haaren (Belgium), where old mooring posts had already been given a second life as a robust set of benches and a table. This struck a chord: precisely the rugged, weathered look the design team was looking for. The sustainable FSC-certified wood of the mooring posts has been "preserved" by years in seawater: salt crystals and long-term loading make the material hard, dimensionally stable, and weather-resistant. Production involved simply removing shells, sanding, and preparatory work for assembly. This minimized material loss.
Why it fits in this neighborhood
The neighborhood was designed with a series of conscious choices regarding water and its use. For example, instead of a traditional rainwater sewer system, water awareness and storage in green spaces are emphasized. This means the sustainability approach is not a label, but a collection of practical decisions in design and construction, according to project leader Ruud Temme (Engineering Office, Municipality of Best).
The park where the benches are located serves as a central meeting place. Playing is literally the focus; parents can find seating while children enjoy the equipment. "They're great benches," says Temme about the final design.
The neighborhood is growing to approximately 900 homes. About 400 have already been completed. The green space, including a water storage area with a wadi structure, was deliberately built early. There is also a primary school in the neighborhood.
Design, implementation and installation
VERHEES PRODUCTS supplied benches with and without backrests, as well as waste bins, for the Municipality of Best. "We consulted with the municipality and the design team early on, translated the desired robust character into feasible dimensions, and selected suitable mooring posts. During our production phase, we opted for minimal intervention: cleaning, sanding, and technical preparation for assembly. This way, the weathered character remains visible and virtually no material is wasted."
We also manage the implementation and aftercare ourselves. Our on-site installation team ensures a solid foundation, neat installation, and a tight schedule with minimal disruption. After completion, we schedule maintenance and inspections. Parts are removable, and wear parts are replaceable, preserving the appearance and maximizing the lifespan.
Circular profit without complex interventions
The mooring posts are sourced from a Dutch harbor. This represents high-quality reuse of an existing raw material, with minimal processing, minimal energy consumption, and maximum lifespan. Because CO₂ is stored in the wood, continued use contributes to CO₂ sequestration in the neighborhood. The furniture is vandal-proof and designed to last; maintenance is primarily inspection and focused on preserving the natural appearance.
A sober view on sustainability
The choice of mooring posts aligns with the neighborhood's pragmatic approach to sustainability: no grand gestures, but noticeable choices in design, materials, and management. Temme emphasizes that "small" interventions shouldn't be oversold, but that they are valuable when combined: water-conscious design, the right materials in the right places, and furniture that can last for generations.
Vision: almost 30 years of circular thinking in practice
The project aligns with VERHEES PRODUCTS' broader vision. The company has been working with FSC-certified wood and recycled materials for decades, designs products for disassembly and reuse, and ensures that raw materials can be reused at the end of their lifespan. The company also revitalizes existing objects, such as replacing a table top if the base is still in good condition. This approach reduces the resource footprint and extends the lifespan of outdoor furniture and infrastructure.
Rogier Biekens (VERHEES PRODUCTS): "There are already so many raw materials available. If you dare to consider reuse from the design stage, you open up options that look better, last longer, and fit within budget. Municipalities and designers can start doing this today."
