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is why suppliers were required to provide detailed information on their ESG practices. The hotel
offers 209 accommodations across three price categories that are tailored to suit a range of needs and
budgets: 40 minimalist “Pod” rooms lined with OSB and featuring green sleeping niches – inspired
by Japanese capsule hotels – offer private sleeping areas with shared bathrooms; 150 terracotta-
coloured, en-suite guest rooms, some with balconies – the comfortable “Cosy” (14 square metres)
and “Usual” rooms (17-30 square metres); and 19 spacious 30 sqm “Studios” for long stays feature
seating areas with sofa beds and kitchenettes. The washbasins in the bathrooms are made of wood
shavings and waterproof resin, and every Cosy room includes a pivoting door that separates either
the toilet or the shower to maximise the use of space while maintaining privacy. All mattresses are
designed for circularity, and the beds are primarily made of recycled wood chips from FSC-certified
forests. Energy-efficient lighting is 100% LED. Each category is designed to both touch the soul and
be environmentally friendly.

Sustainability merges with local aesthetics

The design of the rooms reflect the commitment to transparency, comfort and conscious travel – from Longstay Zimmer • Long-stay room
miniature climate terrariums to small QR codes that provide tips on water saving, waste separation,
local sports options and the origin of products or materials . Every detail has been thoughtfully con-
sidered – from multifunctional shelves that can be turned into desks to custom beanbags made from Komfortables Cosy und Usual-Zimmer • Comfortable Cosy and Usual room
recycled materials. The hotel lobby is more than just a place to pass through – it’s a vibrant space
that brings guests and locals together. Amid plants, natural materials and an innovative self-check-in
system, an atmosphere is creates where guests are welcomed into a space that feels both familiar
and refreshingly new. The traditional “arrival” experience is reimagined as an informal and warm
welcome in a living room-like setting that is relaxed and inviting. At the U Bar, sustainability merges
with local aesthetics: acting as both reception and bar, it greets guests in a special style. Its mosaic
surfaces are made of leftover terrazzo tiles used elsewhere in the hotel, and the stools are made from
recycled plastic and coffee bean husks. Lovingly crafted details – such as upcycled vintage finds from
flea markets and books hanging from shelves – tell stories and invite guests to linger. The Usual is
also open to start-ups and creatives looking for an inspiring place to work. In the “Makers Studio”
next to the lobby, guests and locals alike can bring their ideas to life – whether sewing, painting, or
making jewellery. It’s not just a workspace, but a hub intended to promote creativity and community.
A creative playful room with a Scrabble wall and oversized Connect Four game encourages guests to
come together. A padded folding door that turns into a work of art when not in use hides the television
in an elegant way – one of many thoughtful design touches that make the experience special and show Die Bar The U • The U Bar
that design can have heart and soul. The primary emphasis on sustainability continues in the food
and beverage offering: around 70% of the dishes and drinks – mainly vegan or vegetarian – come from
local partners. This support for the neighbourhood reduces emissions caused by transport and also
strengthens local community spirit. An in-house sustainability team works closely with urban ecolo-
gists to promote biodiversity – from green roofs to birdhouses and insect hotels that enrich city life.

Time-consuming research process versus lower operating costs

The interior designers conducted the time-consuming research needed to source sustainable FF&E
(furniture, fixtures and equipment), then cross-checked each item against ESG standards and
sustainability guidelines. The UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and ESG principles guided every
design decision. As mentioned, the project is already Green Key certified and hopes to earn a top-
tier BREEAM In-Use rating – either “Excellent” or “Outstanding”. It is expected that B Corp status
will be applied for once sufficient operational data has been collected. To consider and reduce the
environmental impact of the supply chain, we deliberately chose materials with a proven lower The Makers Studio • The Makers Studio
environmental impact, longer service life and recyclability in order to align with the values of the
circular economy. Social aspects, such as working conditions and locations of production, were also
taken into account. Suppliers were asked to share information about their ESG practices. In F&B, we
favoured local suppliers to support the regional economy and reduce transport emissions. In daily
operations, the sustainable approach is implemented through waste reduction, recycling and cons-
ciously low water and energy consumption. The hotel achieves a recycling rate of 90%, with zero
landfill waste. Paper, glass, organic waste, coffee grounds, plastics, cans and batteries are all collected
separately and recycled. Single-use items are available only on request and made from renewable
resources. The hotel runs entirely on certified Dutch wind energy, uses no gas and relies exclusively
on LED lighting. Water-saving solutions – such as special showerheads and taps – are expected to
cut water use by 40%. At the U Bar, a self-serve tap water station reduces the need for bottled water.
The social impact is evident in community-building spaces such as the Makers Studio, where guests
and locals can create and sell creative works. This makes The Usual not just a place to relax but a
forward-thinking living environment that combines design, ethics and ecology.

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