Lyon (AFP)

"We are a bit like UFOs in this universe": manufactured by Atelier Emmaüs, a storage unit, designed from re-used material, has entered the collection of the prestigious Mobilier national de France, a first.

Named "Henri" - in homage to Henri Grouès, alias Abbé Pierre, founder of the movement - this piece of furniture, about fifty centimeters high, was made from old wooden school desks from a college, of an old slate board and scrap wood.

Along with 51 other pieces, this special edition was selected at the beginning of October to "furnish the highest institutions of the Republic", according to the Mobilier National which preserves more than 130,000 movable or textile objects, the oldest dating from before the French Revolution.

"Henri" was designed by designer Lisa Lejeune, after a call for projects launched in 2018 by the Eco-Mobilier organization, responsible by the State to manage "the collection, sorting, recycling and energy recovery of all used furniture to promote reuse ".

"There is a market for unique pieces, in small series, with real design work, produced with materials that have already had a life", explains to AFP Eric Weisman-Morel, Eco-Mobilier.

"What interests us is to advance this re-employment chain towards a greater added value of the product".

Eco-Mobilier thus supported Atelier Emmaüs to the tune of 40,000 euros (prototyping, equipment, etc.).

The "Henri" piece of furniture manufactured by Atelier Emmaus, October 14, 2021 in Lyon PHILIPPE DESMAZES AFP

For the director of Atelier Emmaüs, Guillaume Poignon, this distinction shows that "meticulous craftsmanship and design are within reach of the people we welcome".

The furniture was indeed produced at the head office of Atelier Emmaüs in Villeurbanne (southwest) "by people with broken backgrounds", very far from employment, "in tandem with professional cabinet makers" during initiation sessions. of 30 days.

With the entry to the National Furniture, it is also "the self-esteem which resumes", affirms to AFP this person in charge, aware that Emmaus "is a UFO in this universe" of the furniture of prestige.

The "Henri" piece of furniture manufactured by Atelier Emmaus, October 14, 2021 in Lyon PHILIPPE DESMAZES AFP

"Henri" "aroused the enthusiasm of the jury by his contemporary design and his virtuous conception", underlines Hervé Lemoine, Director of National Furniture.

Because the initiation into carpentry of apprentice craftsmen for the creation of an anti-waste piece of furniture responds to "the concerns of National Furniture: transmission of know-how and registration in an eco-responsible approach".

The model of this unique piece is part of a range marketed by Atelier Emmaüs.

© 2021 AFP