What does "Good design is sustainable" mean?
Sustainability, durability, and mindful design—at ZAUNKÖNIG®, these aren’t just buzzwords, but principles we live by. Inspired by designer Stefan Diez’s 10 Theses, we show how our Montessori furniture and children’s products are designed to be open, versatile, and resource-efficient. From repairable materials to modular furniture and versatile usability—we explain how good design works for us and why it enriches our children’s world.
“A good product is as little of a product as necessary,” says Stefan Diez, one of the most influential designers of our time. For him, good design means not only aesthetics but also responsibility. He has formulated 10 principles that define sustainable, good design. Since we believe in a healthy world, we at ZAUNKÖNIG® take these principles to heart and would like to share with you how we implement them in our furniture and products for children.
1. A good product remains useful for a long time.
Our learning towers and furniture grow with your child: They are more than just high chairs. Whether as a play object, reading nook, or bench—they accompany children for years and can even be used by siblings and across generations.
2. A good product is repairable.
High-quality, oiled oak wood allows for touch-ups and repairs. While coated surfaces get damaged quickly, oak ages beautifully and is robust, ensuring our Montessori furniture for children brings lasting joy.
3. A good product is designed as a system.
Our furniture can be expanded modularly. This way, our learning tower becomes a high chair. Our bench becomes a side bed. Our baby nest becomes a LEGO box. Our rocking cradle becomes a wobble board. They adapt flexibly to the needs of children and parents—furniture for life.
4. Good products are part of a material cycle and use sustainable materials.
Wood from sustainable forestry, toxin-free surfaces, and single-material design make our products suitable for a circular economy. The materials are resource-efficient and recyclable.
5. Good products consume as little energy as possible.
The regional production of our products in Germany and their durability significantly reduce energy consumption during manufacturing and use. This means no additional tableware is needed for the children, as everyone in the family can use the cups and bowls. And a learning tower that accompanies them through life for many years isn’t replaced with something new after just a few years.
6. Good products can be transported in a space-saving manner.
Our furniture is functional, versatile, and minimalist in design. Nevertheless, space-saving transport was a challenge for us. After all, handcrafted does not mean flat-pack and self-assembly. To overcome this dilemma, we put a lot of thought into the packaging: the result is minimalist packaging made from recycled cardboard, which we fill efficiently by including the accessories right inside.
7. A good product is innovative and fascinating.
Open design, 3-in-1 functionality, and universal usability foster creativity and point the way forward for children’s products. Our learning tower is the only one to have actually received a patent for its innovative design. And because that’s not something to be taken for granted in design, we’re truly proud of this achievement.
8. A good product is used by many.
Universal design, versatile usability, flexible functions. Furniture and accessories that work across generations and for siblings allow for maximum use in everyday life. For this, ZAUNKÖNIG® was honored with the Universal Design Award.
9. A good product is manufactured under fair conditions.
We manufacture in Germany and work with partners who guarantee fair working conditions at all times. Our partners are so close that we can verify this for ourselves at any time.
10. A good product is as minimal as necessary.
With all our products, we strive to focus on the essentials: both in design and in the use of materials. Functional, flexible, aesthetic, durable—without unnecessary frills.
Even though perhaps not everything is perfect yet, and we will continue to explore ways to make our products even more sustainable in the future, we are proud of what we have already achieved: sustainable Montessori furniture and children’s products that are not only beautiful but also meaningful—for children, parents, and the world in which they grow up.
