Bringing together craftsmanship and sustainable design principles, Wonderwall Studios aims to transform waste wood into aesthetically pleasing and functional wood panels. This approach transforms contemporary interior design solutions and decorative wood into an eco-friendly interior design alternative.
Different types of wood are sourced, including Bog Oak, abandoned railway sleepers, planks from old houses, and leftover furniture. Fossilized for centuries in the oxygen-free bog environment, Bog Oak naturally acquires a dark color and possesses high density and durability. These trees are meticulously processed to create the raw material for recycled wood panels.
Founded in the Netherlands in 2010, Wonderwall Studios has adopted a model that moves away from mass production by collaborating with local artisans who handcraft each piece of handmade wood work. This approach not only creates unique products, but also supports the local economy and ensures the continuity of traditional craftsmanship passed down through generations. The company’s mission is to ensure that every product has a story behind it and to embrace sustainability not just as a concept but as a fundamental part of its production methodology.
The materials Wonderwall Studios uses are typically collected from abandoned buildings or industrial waste wood in Southeast Asia (especially Java and Vietnam). These woods are carefully selected, cleaned, and dried by expert teams. After each piece is sorted for color, texture, and natural imperfections, it is assembled by hand into small modules. These modules are then assembled to create three-dimensional effects and intricate patterns on the panels’ surfaces.
The company’s founder, Jan Swinkels, left his career in finance in 2010 to pursue something “more entrepreneurial and adventurous.” During his travels in Southeast Asia, he saw great potential in abandoned houses and reclaimed wood, and this observation inspired the company’s founding.
Swinkels’ business model is based on collaboration with local artisans who expertly process waste wood. He describes establishing these international partnerships as one of the most rewarding aspects of his work, maintaining a warm and welcoming approach throughout the process. This has enabled him to create a global brand by combining sustainability with local craftsmanship.
The brand’s products have been featured in many prestigious international projects. The “Ludlow” collection used at the Sly Hotel in Berlin and the “Railings Bog Oak” panels displayed at the Noble Restaurant in Paris add a sophisticated atmosphere to the space.
Company Name: Wonderwall Studios
Year Founded: 2010
Headquarters: Netherlands
Field of Work: Global production in collaboration with local workshops (Indonesia, Vietnam, etc.)
Significant Projects: Sly Hotel (Berlin), Noble Restaurant (Paris), MyConian Deos (Greece)