Colab, the first purpose-built material library in the UAE based in Dubai Design District (d3), has unveiled ‘RE:TREAT’ – an outdoor installation that aims to showcase the potential of reusing discarded or waste materials, and giving them a second life – at Dubai Design Week 2020, which ran from November 9 – 14, 2020 at Dubai Design District. Building on the original concept design provided by Broadway Interiors, Colab have repurposed construction scaffolding, Fibracolour panels from an installation showcased at Dubai Design Week 2019, green moss and other materials to create a playful, public seating structure at the entrance to their space for this year’s edition of Dubai Design Week.
Taking the lead from Broadway Interiors’ original concept design, Colab upcycled construction grade aluminium scaffolding to create the structural framework for RE:TREAT. The scaffolding and platforms have been re-treated to create an installation that offers shelter and a space to get away from it all. Fibracolour also gets a second life after being shown at Dubai Design Week 2019 for the UMBRA installation by Tinkah. The product used is a harmless, fully pigmented MDF board created by FINSA from Spain. By reusing the boards salvaged from the installation, the project represents a step towards a more sustainable world by using a natural product to help reinforce the concept of upcycling.
"It has never been more important to create concepts that provide a platform for the industry to work together to showcase the joy of design and we are proud to have inspired and designed the innovative RE:TREAT project. We wanted to deliver a more visually appealing entrance to the Colab space during Dubai Design Week, so exploring the treasure trove of material in our warehouse, we developed the unique idea for a sustainable structure, repurposing and redefining predominantly aluminium scaffolding, resulting in a new improved, colourful approach to the showroom, which sits wonderfully within d3. We applaud d3 for their support in allowing us to showcase such an unconventional, industrial art form," said Chris Barnes, Owner & Managing Director, Broadway Interiors.
"In a world leaning towards sustainability, we’re proud to be associated with Colab as their fit-out partner to bring RE:TREAT to life, by turning old scaffolding to a creative piece of art. This is a completely novel approach to Green Curve’s core activity of giving shapes to spaces: how a system of old unused scaffolding becomes an element of art, and brings out the architecture, both in form and function,” added Zameer Abdul Wahab, CEO & Managing Director, Green Curve Design + Build.
The installation was built by Green Curve with lighting provided by Solas Power Solutions and with MAS Paints supplying a combination of new and recycled paint (black and white mainly) for the project. In addition, Desireign collected trimmings and excess moss from their recent green wall projects to create a 100% sustainable green wall system that requires zero maintenance. Handmade in Italy/Dubai and preserved using a patented natural technique, they have created a ‘green ceiling’ for the installation using only recycled moss. Banned in the UAE on account of the fact that they are easily lost at sea; tend to trap whales, dolphins and other fish; and do not disintegrate very easily, Colab have also used elements from encircling nets to add some support and stability to the framework of the installation.
“RE:TREAT has contributed a new positive message to the design community by creating a public space intervention using sustainably sourced, recycled and repurposed materials to ensure non-excessive production. It is responsible design with a positive impact. Working with Colab on RE:TREAT, MAS Paints used colour to enhance the installation using sustainable water-based paints and finishings. RE:TREAT has created a fun and visually stimulating experience that creates instagrammable moments,” commented Renae Hewitt, Design Director, MAS Paints.
"Working alongside Colab for the RE:TREAT installation has not only been a rewarding learning experience, as a final year design student – it has also given me new insights and a first-hand view into the design process; from research and conceptualization to the exciting project we have crafted. During my time with Colab, I was responsible for developing 3D diagrams, visuals and model progresses. Employing various softwares such as SketchUp and Vray to assist in visualizing the project, during its development. I had additionally explored a variety of material studies as proposed features within the installation. This involved recycled and discarded materials, that could be salvaged and repurposed,” concluded Krisanne Gonsalves, Interior Design Student, Heriot-Watt University Dubai.