A serene wooden pallet structure overlooks the tranquil Normandy coastline under a soft sunset.

Stacked Wooden Pallets Craft Serene Refuge Overlooking Normandy’s Coastal Horizon

2026-07-18

Ingenious design meets serene landscapes

On the windswept cliffs of Cap Carteret in Normandy, France, sits “A Shelter for Peace,” an evocative installation by Jakob+MacFarlane. This temporary refuge on the edge of the English Channel challenges conventional ideas of shelter by creatively reusing reclaimed timber pallets.

Close-up of wooden pallets forming a rustic wall against a sky backdrop.

Interior of the wooden shelter, featuring layered pallets and wooden beams.

Reimagining the concept of shelter

Commissioned by Nadine Gandy of Gandy Gallery, the project is part of the Common Shelters initiative. This program invites architects or designers to reinterpret what a shelter can be. Jakob+MacFarlane offer a layered architectural system where stacked pallets form walls and seating areas, framing breathtaking views of offshore islands.

Stacked pallets creating a small window opening with ocean view.

Adaptable and eco-conscious design

The installation is more than just a physical structure. It’s a meditation on the interplay between landscape and architecture. The reversible construction underscores its temporary nature while emphasizing sustainable reuse of materials, demonstrating how reclaimed resources can be transformed into functional spaces with minimal intervention.

The design showcases creativity and sustainability. Explore a wooden art pavilion that similarly blends architecture with nature, highlighting innovative uses of wood.

Exterior view of the pallet structure against a blue sky, with grass foreground.

Wide angle view of pallet construction highlighting the layered texture.

A haven of contemplation and interaction

Designed by architects Jakob+Macfarlane, this shelter fosters a unique relationship with its environment. The timber layers create areas for resting and observing, while the arrangement balances enclosure with open views, guiding visitors’ attention to both the seascape and the sky.

View through a wooden structure opening framing the distant coastline.

Side angle of the wooden refuge blending with the coastal horizon.

Connecting nature and humanity

Projected to remain until September 2026, the installation invites reflection, offering a peaceful spot to engage with nature and the expansive horizon. By blurring the boundaries between public space, architecture, and landscape art, “A Shelter for Peace” stands as a testament to innovative, sustainable design.

This art installation bridges nature and creativity. Discover how another architectural marvel creates a serene refuge, similar to Normandy’s shelter.