good old buoy

Upcycling with a ray of hope

Each one is unique: handmade lamps made from stranded buoys by the label “good old buoy” illuminate the island.

A colorful cluster of buoys sits huddled together in front of the Tinnum workshop. Some of them lie close together, others hang from their ropes, swaying comfortably in the breeze. Each of them tells its own story. Perhaps of how it merrily sailed or dived across the seas, of the ports of the world, of storms and raging waves. And of how it ran aground on the shores of Sylt, ending its career. Little did it know that it would soon embark on a new path and its existence would take on a completely new meaning.

From Bremen to the sea

Dirk Behrens ensures this. The man with the vision and bright perspective, a wealth of talents, and a creative affinity for design. Around two years ago, the Bremen native and his partner Tessa moved to the far north of Sylt. Their longing for the sea grew stronger, and Werder Lake simply wasn't enough in this regard. Since then, their connection to the North Sea and one of the many ideas the couple continually develops have finally been able to mature. With his label "good old buoy," the trained product designer has been literally lighting up the island since December 2024. Dirk creates artistic lights from stranded, discarded, and leftover buoys. Upcycling of a special kind.

First steps, big impact

What started last year in the Coco & James concept store is now really taking off. In recent months, his lamps have illuminated the Westerland town hall park ; now these lamps, along with other models, will be on display and available for purchase in the LEBENSWERT tent at the Windsurf World Cup .

I enjoy being in the workshop and coming up with new ideas!

Collectibles with soul

"I had the idea eight years ago, and five years ago I conceived the brand. When we moved to Sylt, I knew 'now is the moment,'" the enthusiastic cyclist recalls. The idea of creating something that looks good and also serves a purpose from stranded buoys, which usually end up in the trash, came to him on one of his trips to Ibiza. A la "what do you do with them?" and so the first example was born. His collection now includes finds from Denmark, Morocco, Spain, Italy, and Norway. He also occasionally finds a lucky find at markets.

Artworks for indoors and outdoors

The designer is currently creating his first series, and with six examples of these models, he has created true collector's items. From small bedside lamps to lavish outdoor models for the garden, unique pieces are created with great sensitivity and perfection, telling their own stories. "Everything has to be perfect; nothing can be wrong," explains the creator, who has always had a passion for lighting, crafts, and DIY. His father originally ensured this and taught him a lot. Further projects followed, both private and professional, in which he could express himself. From his self-converted bus to his own café with a SUP station in Bremen to a vegan food truck – things never get boring on Sylt. In addition to his work as a graphic and lamp designer, Dirk works as a caretaker at Café Lund in Hörnum. Sounds like the perfect and delicious mix for a jack-of-all-trades.

Light art with fine-tuning

The production of the lamps is a laborious and detailed process. The buoys, drawn by the sea, are first scrubbed and cleaned. Then it's time for sawing, drilling, and sanding – all by hand. "I like doing it by hand; the light makes me happy," he says. Being able to rent Dirk Effler's small workshop has been a huge help. The creative chaos piles up on the small workbench. As an outsider, you might get the inner urge to tidy up. "That wouldn't achieve anything, because it would look the same again in no time. Even if it doesn't seem like it, I know exactly where everything is," explains the man with a penchant for perfectionism, at least when it comes to his works of art. Upcycling isn't a trend, but a way of life. Sustainability is part of his and his partner's everyday life: less flying, more cycling, and as organic as possible. Each lamp costs from around 250 euros – and isn't just a design object, but a form of lived responsibility.

You can currently see and buy the lights at the Windsurf World Cup and at Coco & James . There are also some on display at Lund in Hörnum, Surf House Sylt , and at the sea rescue station in Westerland. Want to light up your own buoy? Dirk would be happy to receive your inquiry via email: dirk@db-designbuero.de

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