by Tafline Laylin
filed under: Architecture, Green Materials, Recycled Materials


This funky student housing proposal relies entirely on recycled shipping pallets as its construction material. Destined for rue Amelot in Paris, building AME-LOT was designed by Malka Architects, who say that it will create zero pollution unlike many other “ecological” projects that actually end up generating a ton of waste. The designers have committed to re-appropriating existing materials – in this case discarded pallets – in what is a fascinating and groundbreaking design.


The pallets – a remarkably flexible building material that can be manipulated to create a variety of geometric shapes – are connected via horizontal hinges and are built upwards to allow for privacy and large openings.
Given that the materials are all found, and nothing new is being used to develop the building, it is financially feasible to incorporate the requisite insulation to make up for what would be a thin skin. The designers claim that the real challenge in ecological architecture is to “superimpose interventions on our built heritage…” This is a superb example of doing just that without creating any new waste.
Via Arch Daily
(Source: www.inhabitat.com )