Tom van Soest graduated from the Design Academy Eindhoven in 2012 with his own research into the use of building waste as a new material for bricks. This quickly led to the company StoneCycling, which he established with Ward Massa and that manufactures different bricks from building waste: the WasteBasedBrick. Mixed with different waste materials, this offers a new range of aesthetic possibilities for building facades. The bricks all meet the technical requirements and certificates for use in new build projects. Van Soest is also involved in recycling projects with glass. So in both a project with Heineken bottles and in the Bottle Up project in Zanzibar glass waste is used to make new attractive products.

This is an inspiring example of a designer who has managed to specialise successfully. With his company StoneCycling he invests waste material with a new manifestation, which is above all sustainable and manufactured locally. The familiar brick is lent a new aesthetic that is commercially successful and can be implemented on a large scale. It is commendable that he has cooperated with various designers and professionals here. What started as a graduation project now also appears to be feasible in practice. Consequently, the committee not only praises the design and the recycling itself, but also the entrepreneurship.

What makes Tom van Soest’s work so admirable is that he presents a usable product that offers true impact. In doing so, he stands out through his keenness to look beyond the end product and design the production process, too. Van Soest is all the more praiseworthy for getting a grip on frequently time-consuming and complicated legislative processes for (new) construction materials, in a short space of time. His project demonstrates courage, and the passion of a true artisan. The jury looks forward to following the growth of the designer, and his company.