The Shelter of Peace Demonstrates the Architectural Potential of Reclaimed Pallets
French architecture practice Jakob+MacFarlane has created The Shelter of Peace for the second edition of the COMMON SHELTERS initiative at Cap de Carteret on the Normandy coast. The installation opened on 26 June 2026 and shows how reclaimed construction materials can become meaningful public architecture.
Curator Nadine Gandy invited the architects to design a shelter using exactly 110 reclaimed wooden pallets. Instead of hiding the pallets, the team made them the project’s defining feature. This approach highlights the creative potential of material reuse and gives discarded timber a new purpose.
A Shelter That Frames the Landscape
The shelter stands on an exposed headland overlooking the English Channel and the Anglo-Norman Islands. Jakob+MacFarlane arranged the pallets in layered sections that create protective walls. These walls also provide seating for visitors.
The design balances openness and shelter. Outside, visitors can enjoy views across the sea towards the distant islands. Inside, the structure frames the sky and creates a calm space for reflection. This simple sequence supports the project’s central theme of peace.
The installation shows how reclaimed materials can deliver both practical and spatial value. It also demonstrates that temporary architecture can embrace circular design principles without sacrificing architectural quality.
Giving Reclaimed Timber a Second Life
Material reuse lies at the heart of the project. By building entirely with reclaimed wooden pallets, Jakob+MacFarlane reduced the demand for new construction materials. The project also reveals the design potential of a widely available waste stream.
The architects transformed standard transport pallets into modular building elements. Together, they create structure, seating and enclosure. This straightforward approach shows how reused materials can support both function and architectural expression.
The Barneville Buildings Department worked closely with the design team to realise the project. The collaboration highlights how local partnerships can help deliver resource-efficient public architecture.
Source & photos: COMMON SHELTERS