Re-used plastics can be a very simple and playful material for use in design – not to mention that’s is a great example of upcycling materials. Materia takes a closer look at this curious pile of PVC pipes in particular.

Dutch design firm Hoogte Twee Architecten created this playful pavilion called B(huis) which aims to give a new and vibrant use to leftover PVC pipes. Here, PVC pipes are neither buried underground nor camouflaged among other building materials. Quite the opposite in fact: PVC pipes of various diameters and lengths are stacked together in order to create a pavilion that provides opportunities for sitting, relaxing and for playful interaction with common materials used in very unconventional ways.

The stacked pipes are open in their longitudinal direction but create a solid wall in their transverse direction. This combination of properties lends itself to a unique interior spaciousness and quality of light. This material, most commonly associated with drains, transforms into a hollow, light diffusing building block. The daylight that flows through the pavilion combined with the range of diameters dimensions provide a particularly interactive and fun environment for children.

The transparency, texture and rhythm created simple materials such as PVC have a great range of design applications. PVC pipes are easy to cut and glue together. They can even be painted different colours to create vibrant interior designs. Check out some more designs such as an interior screen by Sanindusa, a great piece of street furniture and even a very modern wine rack.