We were greeted by Bois&Cie, an association who settle in Toulouse in 2006.

 

When entering the workshop we can have a look at the pallet boards ranging from various sizes, sorted by length along the wall. Then the eye meets the heavy wood machinery : a jointer, a planer...

 

We learn that the association mostly works with reclaimed wood, and pallets from the Airbus industry which they dismantle before reuse theme a wide range of creations, from a small bedside lamp to a two-story house entirely made of reclaimed material.

 

Monday to Friday, the workshops is used by the integration workshop, one of Bois&Cie crucial part. They are 6 people and they went through many ordeals during their lifetime, they can work with the association for 6 months to 2 years. This period can help each of them getting back to a steady lifepace and get time to plan their following journey in life.

 

In the evening or on the weekends, the subscribers can come and use the workshops. The people who gather here aim at spreading knowledge of woodworking techniques or come to learn the know-hows, since the association offers courses for beginners. They work on collaborative projects which allows them to exchange their views while tackling various techniques, ideas and approaches each of them brings to the table.

 

What stroke me the most in the way the association works is that there is not ONE person who knows best and shows everyone, but rather actual discussions, and you will quickly realize there are as many methods than people in the room ; everyone can then try various techniques and choose the one that suit them best.

Association Bois&Cie, 64 Rue Daydé, 31200 Toulouse. 05.61.13.72.21