Sinallagma

What Sinallagma does

Sinallagma (legally SAS Sinallagma) is a privately held French company founded in July 2022 in Paimpont, Brittany, by Vincent Bechtel — a former École Polytechnique-trained engineer who spent two decades in the energy and health sectors before retraining in traditional carpentry with the Compagnons du Devoir. The company designs, manufactures, and installs green shade structures known as 'reciprocal timber frames' built in untreated locally-sourced chestnut wood using mortise-and-tenon joinery without nails, screws, or glue. Its product portfolio comprises six named structural families — Telhouët (3–6 m pergola), Haute Forêt (modular parking shade), Châtenay (rectangular geometric dome), Pont du Secret (façade-attached half-arch), Bout du Monde (connectable arch sequence), and Folle Pensée (dome/cocoon garden alcove) — plus a lower-priced Ikigaia sub-range with linen and screen options. All structures are modular, reversible, and validated through Eurocode 5 structural calculations produced by independent firm Origine Structures (Bordeaux), with a claimed 5–10°C perceived temperature reduction under planted canopy via combined evapotranspiration and thermal radiation.

The company's go-to-market is B2B-led, anchored by a direct field-sales force of five territory-based representatives covering metropolitan France and Corsica, supplemented by inbound leads from a structured 'Start your project' web form and presence at trade shows (Salon des Maires, Salon du Végétal, Forum Bois Construction, Paysalia, Biomimiexpo). Pricing is project-based and quote-driven, ranging from approximately €10,000–€20,000 HT for standard Telhouët models to over €40,000 HT for bespoke or large-scale configurations, with installations either handled by Sinallagma in partnership with local landscaping companies or delivered as supply-only kits for technically capable municipal teams. Revenue is generated primarily through one-time equipment sales augmented by professional services for turnkey delivery (design, structural validation, foundation anchoring, and mature-plant installation).

Customer segments are diversified: the primary segment is local authorities and municipalities (urban squares, school playgrounds, public parks, parking areas) addressed through below-threshold gré à gré procurement; secondary segments include HORECA and outdoor hospitality, corporate real estate (including CSR/CSRD-driven demand), private residential, event professionals, landscape architects, and channel partners (landscaping companies and distributors). A dedicated 'Cours d'École Oasis' turnkey package targets the French national schoolyard-greening programme. The company employs approximately 9 people as of the available data, has been recognised with multiple French innovation awards in 2023–2024 (Prix de l'Innovation Territoriale, Geste d'Or, Innovert bronze medal, Dynamique Locale, CREACC), and is preparing its first external fundraise (seed then Series A) to support international expansion and tooling investment.

Name

Sinallagma

Legal name

SAS Sinallagma

Website

https://sinallagma.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2022

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Sinallagma (SAS, founded 2022 in Paimpont, Brittany) designs, manufactures, and installs modular green shade structures built with reciprocal timber framing in untreated chestnut wood, serving French local authorities, HORECA operators, corporate real estate, and private clients through direct field sales and project-based pricing of €10,000–€40,000+ HT.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Architectural Shade Structures

NAICS

Custom Architectural Woodwork and Millwork Manufacturing (337212)

SIC

Lumber & Wood Products (No Furniture) (2400)

akta.pro primary industry

Pergolas, Pavilions & Hardscape Shade Structures (HSAIACAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Pergolas, Gazebos & Shade Structures (HSAPALAD), Pergola, Arbor & Trellis Installation/Repair (HSAIAJAG), Outdoor Living Structures Retail (Sheds, Gazebos, Pergolas, Greenhouses) (CRAIAIAG)

Keywords

• Reciprocal timber structures
• Biomimetic shade structures
• Vegetalized outdoor pergolas
• Urban heat island mitigation
• Green chestnut wood architecture

Headquarters

HQ city

Talhouët

HQ country

France

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Sale of prefabricated green shade structures: Sinallagma designs, manufactures, and sells bespoke and catalog green shade structures in reciprocal chestnut wood. Revenue is generated through direct project sales to local authorities, companies, and individuals. Pricing ranges from approximately €10,000 to over €40,000 HT depending on model, size, and customisation level.
2. Turnkey project delivery (supply + installation + planting): Sinallagma offers full-service project delivery from design consultation to on-site installation with mature plants. This includes structural engineering validation, foundation anchoring, and planting of mature climbing specimens effective from day one. The company works with local landscaping partners for installation support.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Sinallagma designs, prefabricates, and installs green shade structures (pergolas, pavilions, parking shades, half-arches) built using a proprietary reciprocal timber assembly in untreated local Breton chestnut wood, joined without nails, screws, or glue. The company sells both standard catalog models (Telhouët, Haute Forêt, Châtenay, Pont du Secret, Bout du Monde, Folle Pensée) and fully custom configurations, optionally enhanced with bespoke artistic elements (antique wrought iron, stained glass), for use by municipalities, companies, hospitality operators, and private individuals.

Product overview

Sinallagma designs, manufactures, and installs green shade structures using reciprocal timber framing in untreated local chestnut wood, inspired by Leonardo da Vinci and built without nails, screws, or glue. The product portfolio consists of six named reciprocal structure models — Telhouët (standard pergola, 3–6m or custom), Haute Forêt (modular parking shade), Châtenay (rectangular modular pergola, up to 4m height × 5m width), Pont du Secret (half-arch facade shade), Bout du Monde (connectable arch sequence), and Folle Pensée (dome/cocoon garden alcove) — all available as standard or fully custom-made, with artistic customization via forge and stained-glass collaborations. A more accessible sub-brand, Ikigaia, offers frugal models with linen ropes and screen options. Structures are sold as supply-only or as a turnkey solution including mature plant installation, with the 'Cours d'École Oasis' being a dedicated school playground package. All structures are manufactured in Brittany, assembled using traditional carpentry techniques of the Compagnons du Devoir, and achieve cooling of 5–10°C through vegetation cover and evapotranspiration.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Ikigaia: A range of frugal models of reciprocal green shade structures with customizable design options such as natural linen ropes or screens, designed to make Sinallagma structures more accessible to the general public.

Products and services

• Telhouët Standard green pergola/shade structure in reciprocal chestnut wood, with mortise-and-tenon joinery and no nails, screws, or glue. Available in 3 m, 4 m, or 6 m standard sizes or custom-made, with pricing from €10,000 to €20,000 HT. Can be personalised with artistic elements (wrought iron, stained glass). Provides 5–7°C temperature reduction via vegetation cover.
• Haute Forêt Modular reciprocal structure designed to enhance public or private parking areas, covering two parking spaces per standard module. Side modules can form green walls. Gentle curves at the top create a fluid canopy, and the structure is extensible by adding modules adjacently.
• Châtenay Rectangular, modular shade structure with deconstructed geometric dome patterns assembled into tortoiseshell shapes, inspired by turtle shells. Awarded the Prix de l'Innovation Territoriale 2024. With a height up to 4 metres and width up to 5 metres, it allows vehicle passage and parking shade while promoting biodiversity in urban environments.
• Pont du Secret Half-arch shade structure designed to rest against a building facade, creating shaded circulation space and enabling interior cooling in summer via plant evapotranspiration. Modular and scalable with multiple openings, used as a trellis for ornamental plants.
• Bout du Monde Sequence of arches connectable via corner modules, creating a living rhythmic landscape. Modular design adapts to parks, canals, sports courses, cycle paths, or esplanades, and is used to demarcate passageways or create visual transitions between spaces.
• Folle Pensée Dome or cocoon-shaped green structure serving as a poetic alcove, secret garden, or reading corner. Adorned with flowers and climbing plants, it creates a green oasis. Marketed in English as 'Crazy thought'.
• Ikigaia Range Frugal product range of reciprocal shade structures with customisable design options such as natural linen ropes or screens, positioned as more accessible versions of the core models to broaden market reach.
• Cours d'École Oasis (turnkey schoolyard greening solution) Turnkey greening solution for school playgrounds, offering sustainable shade and cool zones for children. Includes shade structure supply, mature plant installation, and professional assembly. Addresses heat islands in schoolyards through vegetation, air temperature reduction (1–3°C), and radiation management. Structures can be deployed in phases to fit budgets.
• Turnkey Project Delivery (supply + installation + planting) Full-service project delivery from design consultation to on-site installation with mature plants, including structural engineering validation, foundation anchoring, and planting of mature climbing specimens effective from day one. The company works with local landscaping partners for installation support.
• Artistic Collaborations (Fred Mazoir — antique wrought iron forge) Collaboration with Fred Mazoir, an artistic Breton blacksmith who creates decorative wrought iron elements (18th and 19th century antique style) integrated into Sinallagma structures. Antique iron develops a natural oxidized patina, requires no chemical treatment, and blends harmoniously with chestnut wood.
• Artistic Collaborations (Alexis Ferron — stained glass) Collaboration with Alexis Ferron, stained glass artisan active in Ille-et-Vilaine since 2003, who creates custom abstract stained glass panels integrated into Sinallagma structures. The glass pieces shape light and highlight foliage tones, transforming the atmosphere as sunlight shifts through the day.

Quantifiable outcome

• 5–10°C perceived temperature reduction under planted canopy
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments8 records

Ideal customer profiles7 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Trusted local landscaping companies (France)coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 January 2024Sinallagma partners with a network of trusted local landscaping companies for on-site installation and planting of structures. These partners are selected for their proximity to customers and competence in planting, ensuring quality execution across France. The company explicitly states it has 'formed partnerships with trusted landscaping companies to cover the region.'
• Nursery growers and landscape engineers (France)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSinallagma works closely with a network of French nursery growers and landscape engineers to select and supply appropriate climbing plants for each project. Plants are chosen for resilience, aesthetic qualities, and adaptation to local environments. All nursery partners are based in France.
• Origine Structures (Bordeaux)coreTechnology or IntegrationIndependent structural engineering firm based in Bordeaux, specialising in timber construction. Produces structural calculation notes for Sinallagma shade structures applying Eurocode 5 methodology, validating structural safety for all standard and custom configurations. Calculations were performed for Perpignan (most unfavourable snow and wind conditions in mainland France).
• CEEBIOS (International Centre of Excellence for Biomimicry, Senlis)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSinallagma exhibits at Biomimiexpo, the world's largest biomimicry event, whose European centre of excellence is located at CEEBIOS in Senlis. The company positions itself within the biomimicry ecosystem and references CEEBIOS as a reference institution.
• Fred Mazoir (artistic blacksmith, Brittany)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerArtistic blacksmith based in Brittany, collaborating with Sinallagma to create unique wrought iron elements (18th and 19th century antique iron) for structures. His work adds character and originality, with iron developing an ochre patina over time that harmonises with chestnut wood. The collaboration enables bespoke, heritage-compatible customisation for clients.
• Alexis Ferron (stained glass artisan, Ille-et-Vilaine)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerStained glass artisan based in Ille-et-Vilaine since 2003, creating abstract, nature-inspired glass compositions for Sinallagma structures. His custom pieces are integrated into planted shade structures, shaping light and enhancing the atmosphere with colours that shift as sunlight moves throughout the day.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Gibus: Gibus is an Italian manufacturer of pergolas, awnings, and glass rooms serving European residential and commercial customers. Comparable to Sinallagma in the outdoor shade structure category and in targeting premium custom installations, though Gibus operates at much larger scale with aluminium and textile rather than timber reciprocal construction.
• Biossun: Biossun is a French company specialising in bioclimatic aluminium pergolas with louvered roofs, focused on outdoor living for residential and commercial customers. It is the closest French head-to-head in the outdoor shade structure category, competing for similar municipal, HORECA, and residential buyers, although with a fundamentally different (aluminium/bioclimatic) technical approach versus Sinallagma's chestnut reciprocal timber.
• KE Outdoor Design: KE Outdoor Design (Gibus group) is an Italian/European pergola and veranda manufacturer offering bioclimatic pergolas, glass rooms, and shade solutions. Comparable to Sinallagma in serving the residential and hospitality outdoor-living market with premium custom structures, although with different materials (aluminium, glass) and an established distribution footprint.
• Urbastyle: Urbastyle is a French designer and manufacturer of urban furniture and street furniture for municipalities and public spaces, including benches, planters, and shelter structures. Comparable to Sinallagma as a French B2B supplier to local authorities with sustainability and design-led positioning in urban outdoor spaces, though Urbastyle focuses on street furniture rather than vegetated shade structures.
• Gloster Furniture: Gloster is a German/Indonesian premium outdoor furniture brand offering teak and metal shade structures, pergolas, and outdoor living products to hospitality and residential markets. Comparable to Sinallagma as a high-end outdoor shade and living brand with sustainability positioning, although Gloster's product is furniture-led and mass-produced rather than reciprocal-timber bespoke.
• Renson: Renson is a Belgian outdoor living specialist offering aluminium pergolas (Camargue, Algarve) including vegetated-roof variants, louvered covers, and façade screening. It is comparable to Sinallagma in serving European municipalities and hospitality with shade and outdoor comfort solutions, and overlaps on the vegetated-pergola concept, although at much larger scale and with industrialised aluminium construction.
• Corradi: Corradi is an Italian manufacturer of pergolas, bioclimatic covers, and outdoor structures for residential and HORECA customers across Europe. Comparable to Sinallagma as a premium European outdoor shade structure brand with custom design and installation services, though Corradi focuses on retractable textile and aluminium systems rather than timber reciprocal frames.

Broad incumbents

• Markilux: Markilux is a German awning and pergola manufacturer offering large-scale outdoor sun protection for residential and commercial markets across Europe. Comparable to Sinallagma as an established European outdoor shade brand with a broad product range, though Markilux is a wide-portfolio incumbent focused on textile and aluminium systems rather than timber reciprocal architecture.

Emerging players

• Greenworks (urban greening consultancy): Greenworks (and similar French urban greening specialists) are emerging players delivering vegetated urban installations, green walls, and nature-based cooling solutions for cities. Comparable to Sinallagma in addressing urban heat islands through vegetation, though these players typically install plants and green infrastructure rather than manufacturing timber shade structures.

Others

• Origine Structures: Origine Structures is an independent timber-engineering firm based in Bordeaux that produces structural calculation notes for Sinallagma's designs (Eurocode 5). Although a partner/supplier rather than a competitor, it is included as an ecosystem participant because it is the technical authority validating Sinallagma's reciprocal structures and a potential channel to other timber construction clients.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

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Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Sinallagma