DCA Terrace
DCA Terrace
For the new outdoor terrace of the Duurzaamheidscentrum Assen, Studio Melle Koot was commissioned to redesign the entire terrace. The assignment went beyond designing individual pieces of furniture and focused on creating a coherent outdoor environment. The existing terrace was completely renewed with a new family of tables, chairs and supporting elements.
The project includes tables developed in collaboration with Diggels, tabletops incorporating recycled glass, a multifunctional service cabinet, and a special biobased edition of the Bauhaus Chair.
A key part of the project was the introduction of Xiriton as a furniture material. Developed by André Schuijt and Frank Bucher, Xiriton is made from a unique recipe of Miscanthus (elephant grass), lime and shell sand. Although the material already existed, it had never before been applied to furniture. This project therefore marks the first application of Xiriton in furniture design.
The Bauhaus Chair itself was not redesigned for this commission. Instead, an existing Studio Melle Koot design was technically re-engineered into a dedicated outdoor version for Xiriton. While its appearance remained unchanged, the construction was carefully adapted to suit the material. The chair was redeveloped around interlocking joints and mechanical connections, preserving the simplicity of the original design while making it suitable for a completely new application.
The accompanying service cabinet was developed according to the same design principles and construction method. It provides integrated waste separation and storage for trays, allowing visitors to return and organise them themselves. Together, the furniture forms one coherent system that supports both the appearance and the daily operation of the terrace.
From the beginning, this was an exploration rather than a straightforward design assignment. We started without knowing exactly how the material would behave or what the final result would be. Through prototyping, testing and close collaboration, the project gradually took shape.
This project would not have been possible without the confidence and courage of the Duurzaamheidscentrum Assen. By choosing an unproven material and embracing the uncertainties that came with it, the client created space for genuine innovation. Their willingness to invest in experimentation has not only resulted in a unique terrace, but has also enabled Xiriton to take an important step forward as a sustainable material for future furniture and architectural applications.
Today, the terrace is in daily use. What began as an open-ended experiment has become a tangible demonstration that innovative biobased materials can evolve into durable, functional and aesthetically refined solutions for public spaces.
The project reflects Studio Melle Koot's design approach: discovering hidden potential, learning through making, and allowing innovation to emerge through collaboration.
Client: Duurzaamheidscentrum Assen.
Design: Studio Melle Koot.
Material Development – Xiriton: André Schuijt & Frank Bucher.
Tables:
Diggels.
Photography & Film:
Danny Zwols.
Location: Assen, The Netherlands.
Year: 2026.
Programme: Terrace redesign · Outdoor furniture · Material research.
Materials: Xiriton (Miscanthus, lime & shell sand), Douglas timber, recycled glass.
