In a bold move to reshape the construction landscape, a unique initiative in East London is reclaiming valuable building materials that would otherwise contribute to the UK’s waste crisis. Tipping Point East (TPE), spearheaded by a coalition of creative minds including Joel de Mowbray’s Yes Make, seeks to transform discarded resources into cultural and architectural assets, demonstrating a compelling model for sustainable urban development.
A Frustrating Reality
Joel de Mowbray’s journey into the world of salvage began under frustrating circumstances. In 2020, while engaged in a community project aimed at enhancing pedestrian spaces in Lambeth, he found himself surrounded by felled trees, the very resources he needed for his project. “The council were doing treeworks the entire time we were building, felling trees right next to us,” de Mowbray recounts. The irony of sourcing materials from Ashdown Forest while timber lay wasted at his feet was not lost on him, illuminating a critical flaw in the UK’s construction practices.
The construction industry is notorious for its wastefulness, producing approximately 62% of the nation’s refuse. The prevailing mentality prioritises new builds over renovation, leading to a disconcerting trend of landfill contributions. De Mowbray terms this disconnect “institutional logic,” where rigid safety regulations and liability concerns trump practical solutions.
Salvaging for a Sustainable Future
Determined to effect change, de Mowbray founded Yes Make, a design collective that mills urban trees for local building materials. The operation began modestly with a converted milk float, but its reputation for salvaging has grown. An early triumph saw the removal of 12 tonnes of valuable hardwoods from the old Smithfield meat market, materials that would have otherwise met a grim fate in a skip.
Now, Yes Make has joined forces with Resolve Collective and Material Cultures to launch Tipping Point East, a groundbreaking 20,000 square metre hub in Newham dedicated to circular construction. “We’re creating a regenerative supply chain for the city we love,” de Mowbray states, underscoring the initiative’s commitment to diverting waste and fostering a community-oriented approach to construction.
The operation processes and certifies salvaged materials, allowing them to be donated or sold at significantly reduced prices—often as low as 10% of market value. The materials yard at TPE is a veritable treasure trove, brimming with repurposed glass panes, plumbing fixtures, and timber, all poised to breathe new life into community projects.
Educating for Change
Education and skill-building are central to TPE’s mission. Alongside material reclamation, the hub offers training sessions aimed at demystifying construction practices. Just as community gardens cultivate connections to food and nature, TPE aspires to connect individuals with the built environment and the principles of recycling.
During a recent visit, students from Central Saint Martins observed a demonstration on milling a 105-year-old sequoia tree, expertly transformed into usable timber by sawmillers aptly named Tom and Jerry. Their work highlights the inefficiencies within British forestry, where centralised milling facilities often overlook local resources, contributing to the UK’s status as a leading timber importer.
Despite the hub’s potential, challenges loom large. TPE has had to turn away thousands of fire doors, not due to damage, but because the team lacks the necessary training to certify them for use. De Mowbray likens this struggle to the childhood signs proclaiming “No Ball Games”—a directive that often invites rebellion rather than compliance. His vision for TPE is to navigate these regulations creatively, ensuring that the initiative can thrive amidst bureaucratic obstacles.
A Collective Effort
The success of Tipping Point East hinges on both community involvement and industry collaboration. De Mowbray draws a parallel to the evacuation of Dunkirk, where numerous small boats played a crucial role in rescuing stranded troops. He envisions a similar collective effort in addressing urban waste, asserting, “We need to translate this waste into thousands of smaller-scale projects that can make use of the large-scale volumes of waste that we’re collecting. We need thousands of small ships to take the waste away.”
Why it Matters
Tipping Point East exemplifies a transformative approach to construction in a world increasingly burdened by waste. By harnessing discarded materials and fostering community engagement, this initiative not only addresses environmental concerns but also redefines the relationship between urban spaces and their inhabitants. As cities grapple with sustainability challenges, TPE stands as a beacon of hope, illustrating that a circular economy is not just a lofty ideal but an achievable reality. This pioneering project may be the catalyst needed to propel the construction industry towards a more sustainable and responsible future.
