Tom van Soest develops new materials from 100% construction waste. His innovative approach to sustainability and material reuse in the construction industry eliminates the need for valuable and scarce raw materials through these recipes. Tom is a pioneer in cementing how recycled construction materials can be commercially viable and implemented on a large scale. Emphasising the beauty and potential of waste streams addresses environmental challenges and redefines aesthetic possibilities in construction. The mix of different waste offers a new range of aesthetic possibilities for the built environment. Yet his work goes beyond the end product: demonstrating entrepreneurship and the passion of a true artisan through the design of the production process, too. 

Tom van Soest graduated from the Design Academy Eindhoven in 2012 with his research using building waste as a new material for bricks. Blended Materials quickly led to the founding StoneCycling, a company that manufactures different bricks from building waste. Having worked with a team of specialists, ambitious brickworks, investors, architects and builders, the upcycled bricks meet all the technical requirements and certificates for use in new build projects. After ten years of StoneCycling’s success, Tom returns to his roots by re-establishing Blended Materials as a new design studio focused on waste and design. With an innovative mindset, entrepreneurial spirit, and dedication to sustainability, the studio offers project and waste-specific designs and small-scale productions from 100% local waste for those who want to challenge conventional aesthetics. Van Soest is also involved in recycling projects with glass, having collaborated with Heineken bottles and in the Bottle Up project in Zanzibar.

blended-materials.com