follies in the veld pavilion by theMAAK in south africa is made of over 1000 reused bottles

‘follies in the veld’ is an annual ‘design + make’ workshop hosted by south africa-based architecture studio theMAAK. willing participants embark a fast-paced experimental design and making process rooted in the understanding of a specific material and site. this year, a 6-meter high tower of glass bottles sits unassumingly in a discovered landscape of orange and green. this beacon structure acts as a landmark element from afar and a place of contemplation up close. 

silhouette of construction in process
photos by amy paterson, lea chisholm and theMAAK

exploring glass as a building material, the 2018 folly incorporates over 1000 reused glass bottles to mimic the texture and color of its context whilst proudly introducing itself into the landscape. seen from afar, theMAAK’s tower stands as a place-making landmark and point of interest for those who encounter it. the structures overlapping bottle façade forms a textured surface catching the light. the resulting shimmer creates a playful interplay between the static structure and flickering light.

the structure glowing at night

overlapping detail of glass façade

using distilled clay from the land to paint the structure

porting the structure to the site

the landmark from a distance

the folly as you first approach

midway through construction

hanging bottles close up

washing bottles

view from inside

sorted and cleaned glass bottles

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.