Profil by Hydro, designed by Keiji Takeuchi

Profil is an aluminum seating system by Keiji Takeuchi for Hydro’s R100 project, exhibited at Milan Design Week, 3daysofdesign, and Dutch Design Week in 2025. It combines minimalist aesthetics with hyper-local production, using 100% post-consumer aluminium. Crafted entirely from Hydro CIRCAL 100R aluminium, made from 100% post-consumer scrap, the project emphasized local production, with all processes from material sourcing to final assembly conducted within a 100 km radius in the Netherlands and Belgium.

The aluminium originates from end-of-life greenhouses and light poles, and has a verified carbon footprint of less than 0,5 kg CO₂e per kilogram. Profil was developed for Hydro’s R100 initiative, which challenged designers to create new products using only 100% post-consumer aluminum while keeping every stage of production local. Takeuchi responded with a modular seating concept focused on flexibility, precision, and material efficiency. The system is composed of a single extruded profile, engineered to a tolerance of 0,1 millimeters. This enables accurate construction of benches, chairs, and lounge seats using the same components, with optional backrests and arm supports.

The design relies on precise fit rather than complexity, allowing for disassembly, reuse, and long functional life. Clean, anodized surfaces and minimal joints express a durable and open design language. Takeuchi treats extrusion not only as a manufacturing method, but as a structural and aesthetic principle. Profil demonstrates that recycled aluminum can support high-quality, user-friendly design without compromise. By linking material recovery, ultra-local manufacturing, and adaptable use in one coherent system, the project presents a practical, repeatable model for circular furniture production.