Sustainer

Sustainer Homes, based in Utrecht, Netherlands, began in 2014 as a startup founded by Gert van Vugt and Jacintha Baas, both alumni of University College Utrecht. The company initially converted shipping containers into off-grid, mobile homes powered by renewables, complete with solar, wind, and water filtration systems. After building a prototype in 2015 with incubator funding, they towed it across Dutch cities like Amsterdam and Utrecht to attract buyers, but found no market traction within six months.

The team pivoted to modular mass timber construction for the Dutch market, developing a building system and software that generates drawings, 3D models, and project management tools. This shift yielded results: by 2019, over 50 homes had been sold or were under construction, with more than 100 built nationwide in subsequent years. Collaborations include two homes and the Office Lab at The Green Village test site, plus the Werkspoor Factory in Utrecht with architect Zecc, using adjustable wooden blocks.

Today, Sustainer operates as a digital platform for sustainable timber buildings, partnering with developers, housing corporations, and construction firms on social housing. In 2018, its founders earned a Forbes 30 under 30 nod in social enterprises for slashing CO2 emissions. The firm eyes European expansion after solidifying in the Netherlands.