The Switch - Tiles of the Sun
Agency
72andSunny
Artisan
Harlinger Tile Factory
Role
Creative Director / Art Direction
At its core is a handcrafted tile, created by artisans from the Harlinger Tile Factory using 16th-century techniques. Styled in classic ‘Delfts Blauw,’ it features the image of a solar panel installer, elevating today’s clean energy workers alongside the historic trades that built the Netherlands: blacksmiths, sailors, tailors, and carpenters.
This badge of honor pays tribute to the technicians who work, rain or shine, to power the energy transition. But it’s more than symbolism.
The Switch is not just an installation company, it’s a training institute and social enterprise, offering free technical education and job opportunities to people with refugee backgrounds. In a country facing over 50,000 green tech vacancies, Tiles of the Sun spotlights the urgent need for skilled workers—and the innovative ways we can find and empower them.
By blending heritage with purpose, we helped The Switch build a new cultural narrative: one that values climate craftsmanship, social inclusion, and sustainable entrepreneurship, tile by tile.
Tiles are gifted to clients who adopt solar solutions and are also available for public purchase, with all proceeds funding training programs.
Hand made in Haarlingen, The Netherlands