Meet our designer: Marcel Sloots
For years, designer Marcel Sloots has been working from his studio, Volle Kracht, on a wide range of projects: from graphic design and visual identities to exhibitions and concept development. Clarity and simplicity are always at the core of his work, no matter the medium or form. “The power of a design lies in its simplicity: when functionality reflects the essence of a product, it creates a pure experience for the user.”
The inspiration for Gardenworks came during an exhibition on vegetable gardening that Marcel was involved in. “I saw how gardening attracts and connects people,” he explains. “Even those without a green thumb were drawn to the gardens like a magnet. It sparked interaction—not just between people and nature, but between people themselves.” He realized that while growing food was once a natural part of daily life, today, it has become more of an escape from the fast pace of modern life. This realization led to the design of Gardenworks: a product that invites you to make gardening part of your everyday routine—effortlessly and intuitively.
Gardenworks responds to a growing need in modern society: the need for everything that doesn’t run on electricity or AI, the need to slow down, and the need for connection—with each other and with nature.
A tool designed for action
At first glance, the design is simple: an aluminum planter on a steel frame. But simplicity can be deceiving. Gardenworks is more than just a planter—it’s about engaging the senses: the scent of fresh herbs, the texture of the soil, the taste of homegrown vegetables. It’s about more than gardening; it’s an invitation to create moments—harvesting vegetables for dinner, picking fresh herbs for tea, or simply observing the changing seasons. “It’s a tool designed for action. It asks something of you, and it gives so much in return.”
Gardening where you actually go
Gardenworks makes gardening more accessible. Why? Because vegetable and herb gardens are often tucked away in a forgotten corner of the yard—out of sight, out of mind. But Gardenworks deserves a central place. “It’s designed to be seen. A small-scale, raised garden fits perfectly next to your back door, becoming an extension of your kitchen. When you have a planter full of salad greens right outside your window, you’re naturally inspired to use them. You cook differently, and gardening becomes an effortless part of your routine.”
Raised gardening is not only better for your posture but also for your plants. “With Gardenworks, the soil warms up faster than in the ground, helping plants grow more quickly. Plus, they’re less vulnerable to pests like slugs.”
A gathering place
The Gardenworks Station takes things a step further. It combines gardening with cooking and creates a social hub in your outdoor space. Alongside a planter, it features a work surface with two storage crates underneath—for tools, outdoor cooking essentials, or anything else you might need. It’s designed for shared moments: gardening together, cooking together, eating together.
Once again, simplicity is key. “I could have added an induction cooktop or space for a grill, but the experience lies in the simplicity. It’s about growing your own vegetables, harvesting them, chopping them on the work surface, and tossing them straight into a fresh salad. Or growing a season’s worth of flowers, cutting them, and arranging them right there on the spot. The possibilities are endless—the only limit is your creativity.”
A small discovery every day
Gardenworks tells a story of connection, of the richness in simplicity, and of the importance of engaging with nature. With Gardenworks and Gardenworks Station, Marcel Sloots doesn’t just bring a functional design to life—he offers a new way of thinking about how we use our outdoor spaces. These are not passive objects in the garden but active tools that invite us to slow down and create. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced gardener, every day with these designs holds a small discovery.
