The Chubby Chair is made from the equivalent plastic of an entire refrigerator. Reimagining waste as wonder, Dirk van der Kooij’s signature extrusion technique produces soft, bulbous lines that give the chair its iconic form. Each piece is offered in a dynamic palette of 12 colors, with every shade subtly influenced by the material’s origin and composition. Built to last, and designed to spark joy, the Chubby Chair is a modern classic for sustainable spaces.
In a world shaped by mass production, Kooij offers an approach rooted in transformation, material integrity, and a deep respect for process. What began in a basement with repurposed pizza ovens has grown into a celebrated studio, with work now held in the permanent collections of MoMA and the Stedelijk. Using recycled plastics and custom-built machines, Kooij crafts enduring pieces that balance technical precision with tactile beauty and sculptural form.
Handcrafted in Amsterdam, the Helm Pendant is an illuminated sculpture formed through additive manufacturing with syrupy ribbons of recycled plastic. As light passes through its intricate, corrugated structure, it diffuses into a soft, immersive glow. The overlapping bands intersect at crisp angles, creating a crystalline effect and a dramatic play of shadows.
The Buitenhuis Chandelier is a segmented halo of twinkling light, composed of delicate 3D-printed arcs formed from recycled plastic. Originally created to float within a spiral staircase, the ring tilts effortlessly thanks to a smooth two-way pulley system. Each arc is built slowly from molten plastic sourced from rooftop windows, safety eyewear, and industrial chocolate moulds—materials that lend both durability and glasslike transparency. Soft, starry LEDs are diffused through the rippling surface, creating a warm, atmospheric glow.
With its rounded form and chunky silhouette, the Chubby Stool evokes the delight of childhood play while delivering serious design credentials. Handcrafted from robust oak wood, it mimics the look of malleable materials like Play-Doh or soft clay, adding a tactile, sculptural presence to any room. Its bold curves are enhanced by a range of bright primary color options. Recognized by the Vitra Design Museum and The Design Museum, the Chubby Chair is both collectible and enduring.
The Endless Rocking Chair is a trailblazing work of circular design by Dirk van der Kooij, forged from a single, continuous line of extruded recycled plastic. What began as a shaky robotic experiment in 2011 has become an iconic form, distinguished by its scalloped texture and shimmering translucency. Purposefully retaining the irregular rhythm of its early prototypes, the chair captures light in ways reminiscent of hand-cut crystal. Celebrated with a Dutch Design Award and housed in leading museums, Endless is timeless in both name and vision.
Uniquely composed from recycled plastic fragments, the Meltingpot Dining Table Large reflects a dialogue between material, intuition, and time. Each tabletop is the work of Kooij’s studio colorist, who handcrafts the design using leftover color tests and prototypes. The palette shifts daily based on what’s available, ensuring every piece is distinct. With no set pattern or repetition, each table becomes a living record of creative evolution and circular design.
The Stopstool offers a bold, graphic interpretation of everyday seating. Designed as a response to the fluid lines of the Endless Chair, this piece is built from thick, interrupted extrusions of molten plastic. Structural integrity is achieved through three overlapping joints, while rich pigmentation adds visual warmth and texture. Stackable and sturdy, it’s a functional object with the energy of a three-dimensional sketch.
Originally designed in 2013 to hold fluorescent bulbs, the Satellite Lamp offered a rare mix of variable light temperatures before LED bands matured. Its low-resolution 3D-printed shell, full of texture and tactility, blurred the bands of light into a unified glow. Redesigned in 2020 to include efficient warm LEDs, the form remains untouched—honoring the original’s sculptural elegance. The Satellite Lamp is both a technical and emotional artifact of its time.
The Fresnel Ø68 Wall is a circular light fixture that turns recycled plastic into a shimmering, sculptural lens. Built layer by layer using low-res 3D printing, the fixture’s rippling form scatters light outward in radiant, glistening bands. A central steel drop anchors the composition, while the unique tint of each piece makes every Fresnel subtly distinct. Designed for impact, sustainability, and atmospheric light diffusion.
Elevated through 3D-printed innovation, the RVR Chair is a sculptural rethinking of the classic monoblock seat. Its reverse-chubby form is intentionally flattened to create a smooth, supportive surface that gently hugs the body. Crafted from a single extruded shape, the chair highlights tonal pigmentation that subtly shifts across its broad contours. The RVR stands as a refined fusion of design, comfort, and modern material technology.
The Changing Vase plays with perception and form, its sinuous ribbons of recycled plastic wrapping around blooms like a translucent shell. Each curve and contour bends the view within, refracting stems and blossoms through textured layers. Made from materials like safety glasses and industrial moulds, the vase offers both strength and a gentle glow.
Made from the remnants of design experimentation, the Meltingpot Bistro Table brings spontaneity and sustainability to life. Kooij’s colourist assembles each tabletop by hand using recycled plastic swatches and tests, resulting in bold, unpredictable compositions. The table's palette cannot be preselected—its charm lies in the ever-changing blend of tones and textures. Each piece is a tactile record of past processes and present intuition.
To find out how our pieces can enhance your design project, please contact us at 312.329.9000 for Chicago or 212.262.9000 for New York or email [email protected]. Haute Living's design professionals are ready to assist your needs in every aspect of the design process - from conception and technical specification to final delivery and installation.
