This purpose-built pavilion was developed by our team of 15 University of Nottingham’s Architecture students for Ecobuild 2012, the world’s biggest event for sustainable design, construction and the built environment.

Award / Runner up in the UK Green Building Council Sustainable Stand Award, presented for demonstrating excellent consideration of environmental and social impacts.

With the main purposes of being transportable, adaptive, practical and aesthetically sensitive to current global environmental issues, the pavilion was designed as a resting place for expo visitors, hence the name: The Fleeting Retreat.

As the pavilion needs to represent the University of Nottingham, our team seek inspiration from the campus landscape. At the time of designing, autumn had arrived and the falling golden leaves covered the university campus' undulating landscape. 

The pavilion's primary material is shipping pallets, which allow the structure to be modular and stackable (just like a heap of autumn leaves).



In addition, they are also affordable - within the budget allocated by Ecobuild and most importantly, reusable - aligning with our objective to build a structure that contributes positively to the environment.

The modular nature of the material allows the structure to be scaled and stacked, making it a place of respite where visitors can sit and rest in midst of the hustle and bustle of the expo.

After the pallets were fixed by plastic packaging straps, they were loaded and transported to London.

The Nottingham City Council invited the team to rebuild the pavilion in the Nottingham Market Square and be part of the “Light Night” event. This opportunity increase the lifespan of our pavilion, which aligns with the idea of sustainability as the pallets aren't discarded immediately like many other exhibition stands.