At BouwBeurs 2023 in Utrecht, Bruynzeel Keukens and the Cartesius consortium (MRP and Ballast Nedam Development) formalized their partnership to introduce the first fully circular kitchen in Cartesius. This milestone aligns with the sustainable and health-focused vision of Cartesius, a large-scale development near Zuilen station, which will include approximately 3,000 homes, ranging from social rental and starter homes to spacious apartments and luxury townhouses.

Cartesius is built on the idea of living healthily and happily for longer, in harmony with each other, the city, and nature. The Circo! kitchen, a revolutionary concept by Bruynzeel Keukens, fits seamlessly within this vision. As a bio-based and fully circular kitchen, Circo! is designed to minimize environmental impact while maintaining high-quality standards.

Old kitchen cabinets as raw material

Instead of relying on virgin materials, Circo! repurposes old kitchen cabinets, using bio-sourced, plant-based resin technology and 100% natural wood fibers. The cabinet handles are crafted from ocean plastic, ensuring that waste is not only reduced but actively repurposed. When the time comes, the Circo! kitchen itself can be fully reused, closing the sustainability loop. The kitchen also includes features inspired by Blue Zones, such as a growing cabinet for fresh herbs and vegetables, promoting a healthier diet. A dispenser cabinet for packaging-free groceries further contributes to reducing waste. The state-of-the-art refrigerators help prevent food spoilage, while the Quooker faucet minimizes energy and water waste. Even the countertop is the most sustainable of its kind, reinforcing the kitchen’s role in responsible living.

Curbing waste

The kitchen is designed with a growing cabinet so fresh vegetables and herbs are always at hand. Growing your own food is one of the 9 features of the Blue Zones, the concept inextricably linked to the design of Cartesius. In addition, the dispenser cabinet provides space for all packaging-free groceries, directly contributing to reducing the enormous mountain of waste in the Netherlands. Equipment has also been considered; the state-of-the-art refrigerators contain the latest insights that prevent spoilage of food. In addition, tap water is provided very energy efficiently by the Quooker faucet and waste is minimized. Even the countertop is the most sustainable of its kind.

Ron van den Berg, CCO of Bruynzeel Keukens, reflects on the brand’s pioneering role in kitchen design: "In 1938, we introduced the Piet Zwart kitchen—the first functional, beautiful, and affordable kitchen in the Netherlands. That same philosophy guides us today, with a focus on sustainability and social responsibility. By collaborating with Ballast Nedam Development and MRP, we can offer residents of Cartesius a kitchen that fits their conscious lifestyle."

The Circo! Kitchen in the first owner-occupied homes of Cartesius

The Circo! kitchen will be included in the first owner-occupied homes in the Nicoya subarea, where pre-sales have begun for 25 townhouses, 50 apartments, and 4 maisonettes.

Eveline Keizer, Operational Director at Ballast Nedam Development, highlights the deeper impact of the initiative:"The launch of the Circo! kitchen in Cartesius is a perfect fit. Together with Bruynzeel, we are translating our vision of a healthy, happy, and sustainable community into everyday living. The kitchen is, after all, the heart of the home."

Paul Trip, Special Advisor Development at MRP, emphasizes the broader ambition:
"As a consortium, we made a conscious choice to integrate the Circo! kitchen into Cartesius. This highly sustainable feature enhances well-being while reducing environmental impact. Cartesius is setting new standards, not just in the Netherlands but internationally."