Kolkmannen was established in 2024 by two friends with a passion for graphic and industrial design. Being a very small team, we have to be specialized in a wide range of tasks, especially since we do all design, production and assembly ourselves. But it also means we have full control over the design and production process, which allows us to have unbridled creative freedom.
Based in Utrecht, the Netherlands, we set out to bring new products to market that are distinguished for their creative and unconventional design that excel in functionality while retaining a minimalist professional appearance. We strongly believe beauty arrives from essence, and the absence of redundancy. At Kolkmannen, minimalism has been in our DNA from our inception.
Even though our line-up of products fall in completely different categories, they share a single goal: fusing function and aesthetics. We want to bring great design to products that are otherwise regarded as boring or mundane. Our products supersede the absence of great design in these overlooked items, introducing beauty and elegance to your environment from new and unexpected dimensions.
Berend – Industrial design and production
Berend is the technical mastermind behind our products and also in charge of production and assembly. Berend started out as an engineering student but decided to switch to a study that combines technology and music. However, this field of study could not keep Berend occupied for long either so he once again changed strategy. This time deciding to develop himself as an independent entrepreneur. Before settling for industrial design, Berend worked as a freelance video producer. While his activities still sometimes include videomaking, the majority of his attention now is directed at making and perfecting products for Kolkmannen.
Joris – Graphic design and marketing
Despite having an educational background in a completely unrelated field, Joris decided to join his friend in his entrepreneurial endeavors. Being educated in urban planning and sustainability, becoming a founder of an industrial design studio was an unexpected twist. But the creative challenge of building a company with his good friend was too tempting. Graphic design has always been a passion of Joris and through online self teaching and continued practice, he has acquired the technical prowess needed to become a vital part of Kolkmannen.
We not only create the designs for our products, the production is done in-house as well. We own a workshop in Utrecht where we house our machinery needed for production, like 3D-printers, a laser machine, CNC-machine, powder coat machine and various other tools. Our products are carefully produced, assembled an checked so we can guarantee proper standards for not only the product quality but also working conditions. As our team is really small, so is our production output. At Kolkmannen, we strive for quality over quantity. When buying one of our products, you will own something truly unique and artisan.
As a foreward-looking company, we believe we have a responsability to minimize our climate and environmental impact. The way we ensure environentally friendly practice is comprised of two parts. Firstly, it is important what kind of materials are used and from where they are sourced. Secondly, a product should be durable and have a long life cycle. When choosing our materials, we look for the ecological footprint of the material and its recyclability. We also try to source from reputable vendors. For example, the aluminium used for Gordel is discarded aluminium from a local business in Schagen that we repurpose. Our products are also build to last. This is of course important for customer satisfaction but also reduces waste.
Adress:
Nobeldwarsstraat 9
3512 EW Utrecht
the Netherlands
KVK-nr: 95337725
BTW-ID: NL867092117B01
