In 2024, our joint Ecomaison x Ecominéro call for projects supported 36 exemplary building sites. Now that the call for 2025 projects is open, let's take a closer look at one of the 2024 winners: the Halle du Réemploi Solidaire (Solidarity Reuse Hall) supported by the REED association, north of Lyon.
350 tonnes of materials reused and 2 million euros saved
In Rillieux-la-Pape, in the Rhône region (69), the construction of a "halle du réemploi solidaire" is impressive in its exemplary nature. In mid-2025, the 2,900 m² facility will house a recycling center and training rooms to promote the reuse of household items such as furniture, crockery, clothing and toys. It will also serve as a sales outlet for produce from the Semailles garden, an urban farm also set up by REED nearby to maximize its positive local impact.
Located in a neighborhood in transition, and even before its commissioning, this innovative project has been a concrete demonstration of the potential of reuse in new construction. The REED association and its partners - including Ecomaison and Ecominéro - were careful to incorporate as many reclaimed materials as possible, and even managed to increase the proportion of reused materials from the initial 5% to 10% to over 60%! The result is astounding, and the double objective exceeded, with nearly 2 million euros saved to balance the budget, and a reduction in environmental impact to boot.
"Everything that could be reused was reused: wood from an old framework, exterior joinery from buildings undergoing renovation and furniture from the former SNCF head office..."
François Guillemard, Project Manager at REED.
A project supported by Ecomaison
Financially supported by Ecomaison and Ecominéro via the Chantiers réemploi 2024 call for projects, of which it is the winner, this construction project has enabled us to test virtuous practices in a short circuit. The cladding wood, for example, was fashioned from dismantled pallets. Several worksites in the surrounding area yielded Lyonnais cobblestones for the exterior, wooden beams that were sawn to create partition frames, and wooden desks whose tops were used to create certain floors and wall coverings. Partitions, radiators, furniture, recycled paint, interior doors, cable trays... and even nails. Every item was carefully scrutinized to avoid using anything new.
"This building is an educational showcase. This summer, the indoor temperature never
exceeded 23°C. And this winter, we didn't go below 14°C, with minimal heating. The performance is there, with materials already in use".
François Guillemard
Key figures for the site
- 60% of materials reused in the building
- 80% on networks (VRD)
- 7,000 m² of plasterboard reused
- 100% of interior and exterior wood panelling from reuse
- 36 radiators, 15 sanitary fittings, 2 showers, 11 washbasins
- 40,000 L of rainwater stored
"Ecomaison is proud to have supported such a project, employing people in professional integration on the building site, while demonstrating great creativity to significantly increase the share of reuse during its implementation. And that's not all: after opening, this solidarity hall will continue the virtuous circle, boosting the local social and solidarity economy."
Rafal Ryszka, Recovery Solutions Deployment Manager
A mobilized network of players
To make this project a reality, REED was able to count on the commitment of a number of partners. Among them :
- BARKEN installed the electrical system using recycled materials, which were then installed by employees on integration schemes.
- PSC Associés took care of all the plumbing and heating, using recycled materials and integration teams.
- GAMBARRESI Mickael installed the ventilation system using 90% recycled materials.
- The NGE company, specialized in public works, was involved in the management of the Voiries et Réseaux Divers (VRD), with an approach favoring the reuse of materials to meet RT 2030 carbon-neutral standards.
- French manufacturer Unikalo supplied recycled paint, helping to limit the use of new products for interior finishes.
A pilot project
With the support of Ecomaison and Ecominéro, REED and its partners have delivered an inspiring project for all those involved in the construction industry. With its proven environmental and energy performance, as well as the training of 30 people on site, this beautiful project fulfills the promise of reuse: to build differently, sustainably and collectively.