From Poverty to Prosperity: The Life of a Recycled Material

Reusing battered construction material can be difficult.  Reviving one that can be typically associated with destitution is an even further challenge.

Corrugated galvanized zinc sheeting, or 'galvanize' as its commonly termed in Montserrat, has been typically used as an inexpensive roof finish over the years.  Recently, its sister material Galvalume has been the preferred choice for residential, business, and industrial building roofs on island (mainly due to it's corrosion resistance, longer lifespan, and more appealing appearance than its counterpart).

In low income areas in the island of Jamaica, galvanized zinc sheeting has been used for decades in a variety of innovative ways.  Recycled galvanized zinc sheeting, or 'zinc' as it's known in Jamaica, has been converted into makeshift property barriers, as well as a cheap solution for external wall cladding in residential units.

During a recent trip to St. Kitts & Nevis just before Whit Monday, I was able to witness yet another unorthodox use for the material.  Having visited the twin island state on multiple occasions, I was unconvinced that I would come across any new discoveries that would appeal to my eccentricity.  A quick drive to the southeast peninsula proved this theory wrong.

The Salt Plage Beach Bar at Christophe Harbour provides the local public and visitors with an upscale experience in a rustic environment.  Designed by South Carolina Architect, John Denton Haley, Salt Plage sits on the coastal site of a once prosperous salt export business.  With sheets of rusted, recycled corrugated zinc lining the multiple forms strewn around the site, this high end beach bar looks like a patchwork of monochromatic beauty.  

Furniture in cool, tropical tones add a vivid experience to this site, while the white sails above seating areas enhance the melodious setting.

Although initially I had reserved views, I have come to realize that this design has taken a commonly scoffed at material, and resuscitated a level of conscious elegance that I would have never expected to have been exposed.  The alternative use of this rugged material for a facility that charges US$12 for a glass of Sauvignon Blanc is almost like flipping a metaphorical birdie to the conventional.

Salt Plage can be considered an unyielding example of the revival of the recyclable.

Photo 1 - Salt Plage beach bar, taken in Christophe Harbour, St. Kitts & Nevis

Photo 2 - Salt Plage side entryway, taken in Christophe Harbour, St. Kitts & Nevis

Photo 3 - Salt Plage seating lounge, taken in Christophe Harbour, St. Kitts & Nevis

Photo 4 - Salt Plage side bar, taken in Christophe Harbour, St. Kitts & Nevis

For more information on Salt Plage, check out their website at:

http://www.christopheharbour.com/explore/salt-plage/