The construction waste we collected was brought back by our partner, META Design, to their studio in Tamsui. The studio functions like a laboratory, where discarded materials are examined from new perspectives. The designers uncover the hidden value within these materials and transform them into unique creations.
However, before any piece can take shape, the first step is to sort and prepare the materials. The team starts with wood formwork—panels used to hold concrete in place during pouring. After several uses, these panels become coated with hardened concrete and are typically discarded. But to the designers, they’re still valuable wood with potential for reuse.
Preparing these panels is a painstaking process. It begins with removing the hardened concrete from the surface, followed by dismantling, nail removal, and trimming—several steps that gradually turn the old formwork into usable material. Did you know? Dismantling a single formwork panel can require pulling out as many as 153 nails.
photo credit：META Design
photo credit：META Design
photo credit：META Design
photo credit：META Design
