Hydro, teaming up with the architectural firm "A Studio Between", has provided a stunning recycled aluminium facade for Frieze London 2025. This project highlights Hydro's dedication to promoting circular aluminium solutions, demonstrating how sustainable materials can significantly enhance temporary architectural designs while encouraging reuse and extending the lifespan of aluminium in our built environment.
The Frieze London art fair, taking place in temporary pavilions at Regent’s Park from October 15 to 19, is gaining ground towards sustainability by aiming to cut down on waste after the event. To support this goal, Hydro’s client, A Studio Between, chose circular aluminium for the façade design, which not only promotes material reuse but also helps lessen the environmental footprint.
Aluminium facade
The aluminium facade features impressive 4.5-meter-high profiles that were originally designed for transport infrastructure but have been creatively repurposed for this project. Crafted at Hydro’s Extrusions plant in Tibshelf, UK, this structure makes use of Hydro Recycled Aluminium, highlighting the company’s commitment to sustainable material innovation and circular design.
Henning Flaig, Vice President Commercial in Hydro Extrusion Europe, stated, "We see increasing demand from architects and designers for materials that can reduce waste and the overall environmental impact, while at the same time meet stringent technical requirements. Recycled aluminium already comes with a low footprint and can be fully recycled at the end of life."
Architecture joining hands with circular aluminium
The firm has brought in its technical know-how to tweak the extrusion profiles, making sure they align perfectly with the design’s modular structure and weather performance criteria. These extruded aluminium profiles are designed for easy disassembly, storage and reuse across various editions of the fair. With time, the components can be rearranged, and when they reach the end of their life, they can effortlessly rejoin the firm’s recycling loop, promoting a truly circular approach.
Also read: Hydro's R100 returns: Can recycled aluminium reshape design at Dutch Design Week?
Aluminium is a fantastic choice for circular applications because of its strength, resistance to corrosion and structural efficiency, making it perfect for repeated use. Moreover, the fact that it can be recycled endlessly means it has a clear and sustainable path for its end-of-life.
A Studio Between: A year before
In 2024, A Studio Between took a bold step in reshaping the fair’s architecture by utilising recycled and reusable fibreboard, along with modular kit components and mesh cladding. This year, the studio is building on its commitment to sustainability by integrating reuse into the pavilions that serve as the main entrance and arrival structures.
Richard J. McConkey, founder of A Studio Between, stated, "Aluminium was chosen for its durability, lightness and weather resistance. The recyclability of aluminium has allowed us to build a structure with both beauty and longevity in mind, even if its physical presence each year is temporary."
Focus: Hydro’s aluminium circularity
The project is a perfect match for the company’s commitment to recycled, low-carbon aluminium and sustainable building solutions. The company's recycled aluminium is increasingly being embraced in architectural and construction projects.
In the past few years, the firm has ramped up its recycling efforts and capabilities throughout Europe and North America, playing a crucial role in keeping aluminium in circulation instead of letting it go to waste. Since the inception of its recycling growth plan in 2020, the company has successfully processed over 1.4 million tonnes of post-consumer scrap. The company has set an ambitious target to recycle between 850,000 and 1.2 million tonnes each year by 2030.
Read the report “World Recycled ALuminium Market Analysis Industry forecast to 2032” to know more about the global aluminium recycling industry.
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