ONBETAALBAAR

She once worked in theatre, designing sets that were dismantled after the final curtain call. Now, she transforms spaces, creates custom furniture, and explores the materials of the future. Sophie De Somere, founder of ONBETAALBAAR, has turned reuse and circular materials into a philosophy. "We want to show that circular design really works. Designers should think about the end of life of a product from the outset."

On ONBETAALBAAR

2012: ONBETAALBAAR emerges as a scenography that got out of hand. Their first project,
“De Veiling der Dingen” (The Auction of Things), becomes a travelling series of performances.
2017: Permanent studio at CAMPO.NU in Ghent, with a new focus on customised objects and
projects. Wannes De Bruycker, partner in work and life, joins ONBETAALBAAR.
2021: ONBETAALBAAR becomes a company. It moves to its first own location in Gentbrugge.
2022: launch of the ONBETAALBAAR Labo for development and prototyping with circular materials.
2025: building permit pending for RIET, the new shared workshop for ONBETAALBAAR and other circular entrepreneurs.

“When something is custom-made, people treat it differently. They cherish it longer.”

Dominiek Plancke

Private residence of Sam & Annelies, attic with new staircase © Lien Notebaert © Lien Notebaert

The jury on ONBETAALBAAR:

The jury awards the Ecodesign by OVAM Gold Award to ONBETAALBAAR. This project has undergone a clear evolution: from theatre to art project, and from artistic to interior design. At its heart is the courage to experiment with materials, with a strong focus on organic materials that are given a prominent place in the interior. These are not typical recycling projects, but well-thought-out designs in which form always takes precedence. The ambition has consciously shifted from pure materialism to experience and emotion. Ten years ago, for example, they organised an auction and introduced organic materials into the interior in an innovative way. Within the office context, intensive consideration is given to circularity and how it can be integrated in an experimental but refined way. Research, testing and development are carried out, but always with an eye for aesthetics and functionality. The result is not “bric-à-brac”, but circular solutions that are visible and at the same time feel particularly beautiful and coherent.

Would you like to read an in-depth interview with ONBETAALBAAR Then order a copy of our latest publication! You will find an overview of all this year's winners. The richly illustrated publication (160 pages) is bilingual (NL-EN) and was designed by Geoffrey Brusatto. You can order it online at 10 euros.