Focused on circular economy practices, KTR transforms cable trays into a modular shelving system, advocating reuse, reducing waste, and driving systemic change in the construction industry.
Define the problem/need you are solving or addressing with your project. How does it address the Open Call criteria, such as environmental impact, social engagement, circularity, user experience, resource efficiency, and community-driven solutions?
Cable trays are vital for contemporary electrical installations but often outlast the buildings they serve. When decommissioned, dismantling and reinstallation processes are rarely economically viable, leading to the common practice of recycling them as scrap metal. KTR addresses this issue by proposing an alternative reuse approach. Extending product lifespans is a core principle of circular economy, where recycling is a last resort following repair, reuse, and repurposing. Collaborating with BauKarussell, social enterprises can bridge labor market gaps by providing valuable services such as dismantling, cleaning, and adapting cable trays, as well as assembling the resulting products. This initiative not only supports sustainable practices but also creates positive social impact, ultimately redefining how we think about construction waste.
Please describe your project, reflecting on the concept, inspiration, materials, technical aspects, methods and process(es).
KTR showcases the overlooked potential of building elements and products during demolition or renovation. Unlike traditional design processes, this project emphasizes continuous research, with form-finding playing a lesser role. Insights were garnered through literature reviews, site visits, interviews, and analysis of technical datasheets. By reusing the materials and their inherent modularity as a design principle, KTR results in a modular shelving system that can be adjusted for various widths and extends in any direction. The design is reinforced with threaded rods typically used to suspend cable trays, while the vertical tubes’ color palette is inspired by standard electrical engineering wire colors. The project adheres to Circular Design Rules, ensuring it provides a genuinely sustainable and circular solution for the repurposing of cable trays.
What do you think makes your project innovative compared to the existing efforts and ideas in the field it addresses?
KTR provides a scalable and adaptable solution that differentiates it from artistic, specialized upcycling designs. By emphasizing reuse and repurposing, it aligns with the core principles of the circular economy. The focus on responsible repurposing—considering repairability and minimal adjustments—ensures a thoughtful approach to sustainability. The method used to develop KTR can be replicated with various materials and challenges, promoting collaborative efforts among communities and designers to accelerate progress in the field. Moreover, the design highlights the necessity of large-scale practices for reusing building components. Ideally, KTR would become obsolete, as the standard practice would be to reuse all cable trays as originally intended until they are no longer functional.
Does it impact or reflect young people need(s) and how?
The building sector in the EU accounts for 40% of emissions and generates nearly one-third of all waste, establishing an unsustainable model that endangers ecosystems. Millennials and Gen Z will likely bear the brunt of these linear approaches’ consequences. Any solution that promotes a shift from linear to circular practices aligns with the interests of younger generations. KTR directly addresses the challenges of reusing functional materials. With an appealing design that conveys this crucial message, it fosters an optimistic narrative to tackle a complex issue. By championing sustainable practices and providing viable alternatives to traditional wasteful systems, KTR not only meets the immediate needs of young people but also empowers them to participate in a more sustainable future, equipping them with the knowledge to advocate for responsible consumption and production patterns.
