The rest area at Ropeid was officially opened on June 3. Glassfiber Products has supplied tables, benches, lamps and lanterns for the project, manufactured with recycled fiberglass. 

More than just a picnic area
At first glance, you are quickly fascinated by the unique design, but the rest area has many other interesting facts that are worth highlighting. Ropeid was previously a ferry port that connected Sand with Ropeid. Now the ferry has been replaced with a new bridge, which has led to the place being left unused and almost out of place in the surrounding nature. That is where the idea came to repair the landscape and utilize the space for something positive for travelers. 

Reuse
The sea line around the old ferry berth was dug up and covered with concrete mattresses. On the mattresses you will find tables, benches, lamps and lanterns supplied by Glassfiber Products. The interesting thing about the furniture is the material they are made of, namely recycled fiberglass granules from scrapped plastic boats. The fiberglass granules come from Ecofiber Recycling AS, which is an approved reception facility for scrapped plastic boats. 

The design is inspired by the distinction between culture and nature, where the artificial should imitate nature and the natural imitates the artificial. The design, carried out by KAP, is a good example of an innovative way to create texture and landscape adaptation.

The lamps that glow in the dark. Photo: BG Suldal AS

"Getting a National Tourist Route rest area at Ropeid can remind us of the history of the place. Not least, we will still have a memorable place to stop along the architect's tour through Sauda and Suldal," Suldal mayor Gerd Helen Bø told Din Fritid.

The grand opening
June 3rd was the day when Ropeid rest area was officially opened. Mayors were in attendance and the ribbon was cut. Now travelers along the national tourist route can take a well-deserved break in beautiful surroundings.

Proud mayor cuts the ribbon during the opening of the picnic area.

Glassfiber Products is proud to be part of a unique and innovative project that focuses on recycling and renewal. Thanks to BG Suldal for an exciting mission, and thank you to CAP, Siddis Plast AS and The Helgevold Group for a good collaboration.

This project shows the wide range of uses for fiberglass! Are you interested in hearing more about fiberglass? Get in touch!