The future of string instruments made of flax.
Today, 28 April, starts a new chapter in the world of string instruments with the launch of Atelier Duerinck. This innovative spin-off of HOGENT and UGent will be the first company in the world to produce and sell string instruments such as cellos and violins based on flax, a local and renewable crop.
Until now, musicians could choose between instruments made of wood or carbon fibre. However, flax offers the best of both worlds: it is more solid than wood, less sensitive to moisture and temperature fluctuations, while delivering a warmer sound and more natural feel than carbon. This unique combination makes flax instruments particularly interesting for professional musicians from tropical climates, although customers from Belgium and neighbouring countries come equally well. The Hawaiian Mana Music Quartet has even been touring with prototypes for several months.
Moreover, flax is a strongly local product, with as much as 90 percent of world production in Belgium, the Netherlands and France. Production is also local: the spin-off will carry out all the manufacturing itself in its Ghent facility, from basic materials to finished instrument.
Henry Van de Velde Award
Switching from traditional materials to flax requires a completely new production process. Atelier Duerinck is therefore the result of years of research by Tim Duerinck, who investigated alternative materials for musical instruments during his doctoral research at KASK & Conservatorium, the school of arts of HOGENT, and at UGent. With the support of the Industrial Research Fund, he then developed an advanced production process using high-tech materials and techniques. His pioneering work was awarded several times, including the Henry Van de Velde Award in 2021.
“Atelier Duerinck merges the centuries-old knowledge of craft with the power of innovation. You can only look to the future by learning lessons from the past. Only then can you respond with contemporary technologies and insights." says Tim Duerinck.
Not only does Atelier Duerinck create the first spin-off based on research at HOGENT's School of Arts, the project also proves that craftsmanship and tradition can perfectly coexist with technological innovation and a commercial business model. The market is confirming the potential: Atelier Duerinck already has a fast-growing waiting list of customers from home and abroad - from Europe to Hawaii - who are eagerly awaiting their own "Duerinck.
Atelier Duerinck merges the centuries-old knowledge of craft with the power of innovation. You can only look to the future by learning lessons from the past."
Tim Duerinck, musical instrument designer at school of arts KASK & Conservatory and manager of Atelier Duerinck.
