The construction industry has historically been one of the largest generators of waste on our planet. For decades, the model has been linear: extract, manufacture, build, and demolish. But what if we could break that cycle? At Laboqueria Arquitectura, we’ve decided to stop seeing “rubble” and start seeing resources.

Under this premise, REDÓ was born, a social and construction innovation program that focuses on the recirculation of materials following the Cradle to Cradle philosophy. REDÓ is not just an environmental strategy; it’s a management model that seeks to minimize the impact of our projects while generating a positive return for society and the region.

The Cradle to Cradle (C2C) concept is the technical cornerstone of REDÓ. Unlike conventional recycling, which often degrades material quality (downcycling), effective recirculation aims to ensure that materials retain their value or become resources for new cycles.

In our renovations and new construction projects, we apply this concept through three key areas:

• Rethinking: We analyze each material before it arrives on site: its origin and its evolution.
• Reusing and Refurbishing: efore purchasing new materials, we assess which elements of the original construction can be restored or transformed for a new use.
• Minimizing Impact: By recirculating, we drastically reduce the embodied energy and CO2 emissions associated with manufacturing new materials.

What makes REDÓ a unique project is its social commitment. We do not limit ourselves to managing materials; we manage opportunities. The recirculation of materials is a labor-intensive process and artisanal knowledge, which allows us to create an ideal space for training.

Through REDÓ, we promote:

• Professional training: We create programs where people in vulnerable situations or seeking reintegration into the workforce learn trades related to circular construction and the restoration of materials.
• Market transformation: By teaching these techniques, we are creating a new generation of professionals prepared for the challenges of the circular economy.
• Territorial impact: REDÓ establishes alliances with local actors so that the economic and social benefits of recirculation remain in the immediate vicinity of the work site.

Each project under the REDÓ umbrella is a living laboratory. Experimentation allows us to learn and innovate in constructive processes that we then apply to as many of our works as possible.

Our challenge is that circularity ceases to be an exception to become the norm. For this, we seek to expand our alliances with suppliers, institutions and other architectural studios. We believe that the recycling of materials will only have a global impact if we manage to open new market opportunities where sustainability and social commitment are the main indicators of success.

Is it more expensive to build using the REDÓ model?

Although the selection and processing of reused materials require more management time, the savings on purchasing new materials and the reduction in waste management fees offset the investment. Furthermore, the added social value is an invaluable asset for the project.

Do reused materials have the same guarantee as new ones?

Absolutely. All the materials we recirculate through REDÓ undergo an evaluation and refurbishment process that ensures they comply with current technical and safety regulations. Circularity is not synonymous with a lack of quality, but rather with technical optimization.

How can my company or organization collaborate with REDÓ?

We are constantly seeking partnerships. If you are a materials supplier, a social organization, or a developer interested in circular construction, you can contact us to integrate your resources or needs into our recirculation program.

REDÓ is our commitment to architecture that not only doesn’t detract, but actually adds value. It adds health to the planet by avoiding unnecessary waste and adds dignity to people by generating employment and inclusion. It demonstrates that the Cradle to Cradle concept is possible in the construction sector if there is a will to innovate and a commitment to collaboration.

Do you want your next project to be part of the circular economy? Whether you’re an individual looking for a renovation with a positive impact or an organization seeking to establish strategic alliances, at Laboqueria Arquitectura we help you close the loop.