Atelier Dufrêne was the first to take the plunge and become a JUUNOO Master

Dyed-in-the-wool woodworker, Lorenz Van Esche, founded Atelier Dufrêne in 2015. Born out of his huge passion for wood, the company’s hallmark is creative designs executed with meticulous precision. Four years after founding his own business, he set out to become the very first JUUNOO Master. He’s since completed numerous sustainable projects.

Atelier Dufrêne was the first to take the plunge and become a JUUNOO Master

Dyed-in-the-wool woodworker, Lorenz Van Esche, founded Atelier Dufrêne in 2015. Born out of his huge passion for wood, the company’s hallmark is creative designs executed with meticulous precision. Four years after founding his own business, he set out to become the very first JUUNOO Master. He’s since completed numerous sustainable projects.

Interview Lorenz Van Esche - Atelier Dufrêne - JUUNOO

From long-time acquaintances to partners in crime

Atelier Dufrêne in Wielsbeke today celebrates its 7th anniversary. The company was founded by Lorenz Van Esche. Inspired by his experience in stand construction, he decided to focus on custom interior wood projects. He’s now active in both the residential and office/retail markets.

Fun fact: Atelier Dufrêne is the French translation of ‘Van Esche’ and a simultaneous nod to the wood known as ‘Ash’ in English. His love for wood is clearly unquestionable.

The collaboration between Lorenz Van Esche and JUUNOO goes back several years. “I got to know Chris Van de Voorde (founder of JUUNOO, ed.) when I was still active in stand construction. Chris was also working in that sector at the time, so there was already a connection. A few years later I discovered that he’d founded JUUNOO. We got talking and decided to carry out a number of joint projects. That’s what got the ball rolling.” Numerous successful collaborations later and it was clear that the pair could create mutual value. Soon after, Lorenz was offered the opportunity to train as a JUUNOO Master.

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Atelier Dufrêne in Wielsbeke today celebrates its 7th anniversary. The company was founded by Lorenz Van Esche. Inspired by his experience in stand construction, he decided to focus on custom interior wood projects. He’s now active in both the residential and office/retail markets.

Fun fact: Atelier Dufrêne is the French translation of ‘Van Esche’ and a simultaneous nod to the wood known as ‘Ash’ in English. His love for wood is clearly unquestionable.

From long-time acquaintances to partners in crime

The collaboration between Lorenz Van Esche and JUUNOO goes back several years. “I got to know Chris Van de Voorde (founder of JUUNOO, ed.) when I was still active in stand construction. Chris was also working in that sector at the time, so there was already a connection. A few years later I discovered that he’d founded JUUNOO. We got talking and decided to carry out a number of joint projects. That’s what got the ball rolling.” Numerous successful collaborations later and it was clear that the pair could create mutual value. Soon after, Lorenz was offered the opportunity to train as a JUUNOO Master.

Craftsmen with a sustainable mission

The decision to work with passionate craftsmen was a logical one for Chris Van de Voorde. All JUUNOO Masters share the same ambition: to transform the construction world into a market where recycling is the norm. The use of circular materials is central. Lorenz Van Esche also recognises that circularity and sustainability are no longer just buzz words used by major corporations or public authorities. “I’ve noticed that sustainability has started to play an increasingly important role for my customers in recent years,” he explains. “They appreciate having instant access to circular solutions. The fact that JUUNOO is a frontrunner in the circular construction industry certainly helps. In fact, it’s frequently been the clincher in landing a project.”

Craftsmen with a sustainable mission

The decision to work with passionate craftsmen was a logical one for Chris Van de Voorde. All JUUNOO Masters share the same ambition: to transform the construction world into a market where recycling is the norm. The use of circular materials is central. Lorenz Van Esche also recognises that circularity and sustainability are no longer just buzz words used by major corporations or public authorities. “I’ve noticed that sustainability has started to play an increasingly important role for my customers in recent years,” he explains. “They appreciate having instant access to circular solutions. The fact that JUUNOO is a frontrunner in the circular construction industry certainly helps. In fact, it’s frequently been the clincher in landing a project.”

“The only thing I need to do is contact the customer and prepare a quote. If the customer is satisfied, then it often leads to repeat business.”

“The only thing I need to do is contact the customer and prepare a quote. If the customer is satisfied, then it often leads to repeat business.”

Limited technical knowledge required

Atelier Dufrêne now comprises an ambitious team of 3 woodworkers. Lorenz Van Esche no longer executes major projects alone. The fact that the JUUNOO system is so simple was a key factor in his decision to strike up a collaboration. “The system is a joy to work with. It can be installed quickly and easily, and you require very little in the way of technical knowledge. This is really handy, because it allows the rapid recruitment of new employees who can support me on various projects. That way I get to spend more time on the custom work that’s been requested during the sales phase and goes hand in hand with bespoke projects. Enhanced customisation is definitely an asset when it comes to selling projects.”

Interview Lorenz Van Esche - Atelier Dufrêne - JUUNOO

Limited technical knowledge required

Atelier Dufrêne now comprises an ambitious team of 3 woodworkers. Lorenz Van Esche no longer executes major projects alone. The fact that the JUUNOO system is so simple was a key factor in his decision to strike up a collaboration. “The system is a joy to work with. It can be installed quickly and easily, and you require very little in the way of technical knowledge. This is really handy, because it allows the rapid recruitment of new employees who can support me on various projects. That way I get to spend more time on the custom work that’s been requested during the sales phase and goes hand in hand with bespoke projects. Enhanced customisation is definitely an asset when it comes to selling projects.”

Interview Lorenz Van Esche - Atelier Dufrêne - JUUNOO

Repeat customers

Atelier Dufrêne sets the bar for workmanship extremely high. Lorenz Van Esche is a self-proclaimed ‘stickler for details’. “I was impressed by the system’s flexibility. Walls occasionally turn out to be slightly higher or lower than originally specified. JUUNOO modules slide effortlessly up and down, enabling me to make on-site modifications. That way I don’t waste valuable time and there’s no dust or mess involved. I can therefore complete more projects in less time.”

The biggest advantage, according to Lorenz Van Esche, is that he no longer needs to constantly search for new customers. One-off clients frequently become repeat customers, supplying a steady stream of new projects. “I also regularly receive project proposals for a wall or Probox installation from JUUNOO. For me, that’s a definite plus,” explains Lorenz. “The only thing I need to do is contact the customer and prepare a quote. If the customer is satisfied, then it often leads to repeat business. So, it’s certainly not always limited to a single project.”

Active in the construction world and keen to join our JUUNOO Master team? Then sign up for one of our Masterclasses and learn all about our community!

Complete more projects in less time

Atelier Dufrêne sets the bar for workmanship extremely high. Lorenz Van Esche is a self-proclaimed ‘stickler for details’. “I was impressed by the system’s flexibility. Walls occasionally turn out to be slightly higher or lower than originally specified. JUUNOO modules slide effortlessly up and down, enabling me to make on-site modifications. That way I don’t waste valuable time and there’s no dust or mess involved. I can therefore complete more projects in less time.”

Repeat customers

The biggest advantage, according to Lorenz Van Esche, is that he no longer needs to constantly search for new customers. One-off clients frequently become repeat customers, supplying a steady stream of new projects. “I also regularly receive project proposals for a wall or Probox installation from JUUNOO. For me, that’s a definite plus,” explains Lorenz. “The only thing I need to do is contact the customer and prepare a quote. If the customer is satisfied, then it often leads to repeat business. So, it’s certainly not always limited to a single project.”

Active in the construction world and keen to join our JUUNOO Master team? Then sign up for one of our Masterclasses and learn all about our community!

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