Utrecht has opened its first Upcycle Centre, a 350 m² hub where residents can learn how to repair and reuse materials. The centre supports hands-on work with household appliances, textiles and wood. It also trains people in circular craftsmanship and shows how cities can reduce waste. J.P. van Eesteren built the project for the Municipality of Utrecht, next to the Hof van Cartesius, a well-known circular city lab.

A Building Based on What the City Already Had

The design team used an unusual approach. Instead of selecting materials after the design was finished, the available reclaimed materials shaped the design from the start. This method shows how circular construction can work in practice and offers inspiration for architects, interior designers and product designers.

More than 90% of the building consists of reused components. The facade glazing once served as windows in old NS trains. Timber trusses came from a former salt storage facility. Sandwich panels were taken from a temporary warehouse. The team even reused platform slabs from Maarn railway station. Only the electrical parts and screws are new for safety reasons.

This approach turns the urban environment into a material source. It shows how adaptive design can reduce environmental impact while giving a project a unique character.

Circular Design With a Strong Identity

Project organiser Tim van Dijk describes the process as “almost a sport”. The team enjoyed searching for circular solutions for every detail. Because of these choices, the building gained a strong identity and a rich mix of textures and stories.

The environmental impact is significant. By choosing reused materials, the team saved around 70,000 kg of CO₂. This represents an 85% reduction compared to traditional new-build construction. It equals the emissions of 77 flights from Amsterdam to New York.

Utrecht Plans a Larger Second Centre

The Upcycle Centre supports residents, entrepreneurs and partners who work on circular ideas. It sits close to the waste separation station on Tractieweg, where many materials enter the city’s reuse stream.

Utrecht will expand this effort in the coming years. In 2026, construction will begin on an 800 m² Upcycle Centre at the Lunetten waste station. This second location will offer more space for education, repair and material innovation.

The project shows how reclaimed materials can shape new buildings and inspire designers across the built environment. It proves that circular construction can reduce emissions, create character and support a more sustainable future.

Source & photos: J.P. van Eesteren