THE STORY

IT STARTED WITH METAL

My name is Marcel, founder and the person behind Haverdesign.

My interest in technology and metal began at a young age. In the early 2000s, I was introduced to metalworking at school. There, I discovered how much I enjoyed working with my hands and creating something tangible from loose materials.

It wasn't just working with metal that appealed to me. I have always had a creative mind. Coming up with an idea, figuring out how it can be made, and then realizing it with my own hands is something that has always suited me.



WHERE CRAFTSMANSHIP BEGAN

After school, my interest in metal and engineering continued at the Ministry of Defence. There, I was involved in, among other things, welding vehicles and making and modifying parts.

Work where technique, precision, and practical thinking came together every day.

Not every part or solution is available off the shelf. Sometimes you have to look at what is needed, come up with a solution yourself, and then build it.

It is precisely that combination of thinking and making that has always suited me well.

FROM VEHICLES TO YACHT BUILDING

After my time in Defence, I ended up in the maritime sector and yacht building.

There I was introduced to another side of metalworking. In addition to technique and functionality, design, finish, and attention to detail also play an important role in yacht building.

My experience with welding, aluminium, and structural work continued to grow, and I saw how individual parts and plates transformed step by step into a complete vessel.

It was precisely in yacht building that it became increasingly clear to me how much influence a good design has on the final construction process.

A beautiful line on a drawing is one thing. But ultimately, that line must also be able to be built.

FROM BUILDING TO DESIGNING

Although my background lies primarily in building, welding, and working with metal, I increasingly wanted to be able to decide for myself what I made.

Merely executing what had already been completely conceived by someone else was not enough for me.

I wanted to be able to combine my creativity with the technical knowledge I had built up in practice over the years.

Come up with an idea yourself.

Determine the lines yourself.

And then figure out yourself how it can be built.

Driven by that interest, I have continued to develop my skills in technical drawing and 3D design. To further expand my knowledge, I completed training in 3D design alongside all my welding courses.

This gave me the opportunity to fully develop digitally ideas that initially only existed in my head, before the first piece of material is cut.

In this way, my two worlds came closer and closer together: the experience of building and the freedom of designing.

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THE ORIGIN OF HAVERDESIGN

Ultimately, all the components came together: creativity, metalworking, yacht building, engineering, welding, and 3D design.

Haverdesign originated from that combination.

From my workshop in Drachten, Friesland, I currently design and build aluminium boats and custom structures.

This is where digital design and actual construction come together. From the first lines behind the screen to cutting, assembling, and welding aluminum in the workshop.

Haverdesign gives me the opportunity to develop a project from the initial idea and go through the entire process myself.

ALUMINUM WELDING AND CUSTOM WORK

From my workshop in Drachten, Friesland, I carry out aluminium welding and custom work alongside the construction of aluminium boats and structures.

From individual parts and modifications to fully assembled aluminium structures. Throughout, the same working method remains central: a good fit, precise welding, and a meticulous finish.

ALUMINUM BOATS AND DESIGN

Today, I use the combination of design and practical experience to design and build aluminium boats and custom structures.

A custom-made aluminium boat can originate entirely from a new idea, but an existing design can also be adapted to specific requirements.

In addition, Haverdesign provides 3D designs, boat drawings, technical drawings, and CNC cutting files for clients and companies that wish to carry out the actual production themselves.

A complete cutting kit can also be developed from a 3D design for those who want to build an aluminium boat themselves.

This way, a design created in Drachten does not always have to be built in my own workshop. Digital designs and cutting kits can find their way to builders and projects in the Netherlands and abroad.

SHOWING THE PROCESS

For me, the special thing lies not only in the end result, but also, and perhaps even more so, in the journey to get there.

That is why I like to show through my videos on social media how a design actually becomes reality.

From the first lines and 3D design to aluminum cutting, assembly, welding, and ultimately the complete end result.

In this way, I try to make visible much of the work that normally takes place behind closed doors in a workshop.

Not only showcasing a finished aluminium boat or structure, but also the craftsmanship, the technology, and the choices that precede it.

I enjoy taking people along in that process and showing how many steps are needed to ultimately turn a digital design into something tangible.

Haverdesign is based in Drachten, Friesland.

From here, I design, develop, and build my projects. From custom aluminium boats and aluminium welding to unique custom structures and designs for clients who want to build them themselves.

The techniques, machines, and projects have changed over the years, but the basis is actually still the same as when I first worked with metal at school.

Come up with something.

Figuring out how it can be made.

And then realize it yourself.

That creative process is what still appeals to me every day.

My name is Marcel.

This is Garden Design.