Architects all around the world are concerned with protecting the natural environment and show this in their work. The buildings they design can utilise a wide array of materials, including those from sustainable sources and recycled or reclaimed ones that are put to new use rather than wasted. On top of this they can feature energy efficient technologies and other systems that reduce the carbon footprint of the building. This makes it greener in the long term.

A South Korean architectural firm recently revealed an incredible project that makes use of recycled materials. It is unique because it took a section of the hull of an old rusted ship and used it to create a new structure. The section is made of steel and the exterior shows all the signs of rust you would expect from an old ship. The interior though has been painted white to make it a stark difference. It is a truly impressive effect.

The interior of the pavilion features a balcony and spiral staircase. The former overlooks the trees that have been planted. There is seating installed too so that people can sit in the new structure and get a much better feel for the peace it offers.

The idea behind the project is very impressive. The architects looked at the fact that materials can lose their original value over time. This is true with the steel hulls of ships when they become rusted and fall out of use. They claim the destiny of these materials are to be dismantled but the pavilion seeks to utilise them more effectively, particularly in creating structures that look beautiful and invoke emotions by the people that see them and step foot inside.

The pavilion is titled Temp’L and is situated at the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMCA) in Seoul, South Korea. The design won an award at the 2016 Seoul Young Architects Awards (YAP) program. It is already proving to be a popular attraction and an inspiration for designers from all around the world.

At London based Coffey Architects we have fantastic green credentials and always look to reduce the footprint that buildings make. Recycling and reusing materials in the way above is a really great idea and the pavilion shows that items thought to no longer offer value can actually prove to be very beautiful and useful.