You can watch the thirty-seventh Parlour LAB here!
In this session we explored the exciting potential of upcycling waste in the built environment. This session spotlighted how surplus materials—from wetsuits to reclaimed timber—can be reimagined as valuable architectural resources through prototyping, creative design, and systems thinking.
Architects and researchers Dr Sofia Colabella and Dr Katie Skillington, both based at the University of Melbourne, shared insights from their joint project [RE]Maker, which investigates the reuse of wetsuit materials in architectural applications. Their work prompts us to suspend disbelief and imagine a built environment that makes waste visible—and valuable.
Key Takeaways:
Material circularity is more than recycling—it's about designing systems where materials are continuously reused, with circular business models and construction methods embedded from the start.
Prototyping is key—as Sofia noted, “all processes start with making.” Small-scale experiments can demonstrate possibilities and shift perceptions.
Make the change visible. Visibility inspires action—how we showcase upcycled materials matters.
Design for reuse: Begin with a building audit and engage the client early. Choose contractors who share these values.
From demolition to harvesting: Shift language and process—plan for salvage, with condition reports and storage strategies.
Detailing matters: Reuse often means more labour and nuanced design, which needs to be factored into cost, contracts, and timelines.
Start small, socialise it: Test ideas, share your process, and build momentum through storytelling and community.
Heritage and policy can be allies: Aligning with heritage values can support reuse. Policy changes are also critical to scaling circular practices.
Let lived experience shape design: Katie’s journey from set designer to architect underscores the value of alternative design methods and career pathways in shaping how we approach material reuse.
Imagine a world where every Bunnings has a second-hand salvage store next door. What would it take to get us there?
