Innovative Use of Reclaimed Wood
Canaux’s Circular Shade House is an exemplary structure crafted from 90% reclaimed wood, showcasing the success of a collective effort, a circular economy approach, and the practical application of the international Fab City movement. The project highlights the significant contributions of Icade Promotion, REI Habitat, Quartus, and SUEZ, and its design reflects the undulating motion of the nearby canal. The roof mimics a boat’s hull, rising at the center to mark the house’s entrance. This innovative structure was created following a project call by Les Canaux, an association promoting solidarity and innovative economies. The Re-Store collective, led by WoMa, was selected to bring this vision to life using reused materials, with construction completed just in time for its summer inauguration.
Collaborative Efforts and Efficient Design
The project aimed to provide shade for Les Canaux’s summer activities, using almost exclusively reclaimed materials and completing the design, sourcing, and construction within two months. Re-Store, a collective comprising experts from various fields, took on this challenge. WAO Architecture led the design coordination, while R-Use, Studio Pourquoi Pas, EMA architecture, Super Cube, ReMake, and Force Pure contributed their expertise in fabrication. The collective operated from a space at L’Orfevrerie in Saint Denis, facilitated by a partnership with Quartus real estate developer, REI Habitat/REMAKE, and WoMa. This collaborative effort enabled the reclaiming and reuse of approximately 8.4 tons of wood, or 90% of the wood used in the project.
Redefining Construction Practices
The initiative by Les Canaux transcended the architectural challenge of building a terrace, extending to a broader mission of reducing new material usage and enhancing the reuse of what is often considered waste. Architects, engineers, contractors, and developers involved in the project embraced this sustainable approach, highlighting the construction sector’s potential to impact the environment positively. By adopting a circular approach, where materials are reused rather than discarded, the project aligns with the Fab City movement’s principles of transforming waste into valuable resources and promoting the free circulation of data among cities. This movement advocates shifting from a linear, consumerist model to a circular economy where products are made from waste, embodying the motto “Data In Data Out.”
Canaux’s Circular Shade House stands as a model of sustainable design, demonstrating how collective efforts and innovative approaches can lead to significant advancements in the architecture and construction industries. Through the efficient use of reclaimed materials and a collaborative process, this project not only provided functional shading for summer activities but also set a precedent for future sustainable construction endeavors.
