If necessity is the mother invention then there is at least one really positive development that has arisen from a universal shortage of natural resources: artists and designers around the world have found all kinds of creative ways to give discarded and existing materials new life. To demonstrate just how many new ways there are to build a structure, we have put together a list of 6 really awesome buildings from Seattle to Seoul that are made from recycled materials. We hope you are as inspired as we are by this showcase of adaptive re-use projects that convert everything from tires to window frames and doors into functional buildings.
This incredible “junk castle” designed by Victor Moore is made entirely out of scrap materials, and here’s the best part. The whole thing only cost $500. Now we realize that not everyone is interested to live in a house that was put together with materials salvaged from the nearby junk yard, but this is a clear indicator of what can be done with a bit of ingenuity and out-of-the-box thinking. Moore’s MFA assemblage thesis was constructed in 1970!
Blocket Mini: 36 Reclaimed Windows Transformed Into a Rustic Guest House in Sweden
This charming building in Sweden is made from cinder blocks and 36 reclaimed window frames, and we think it’s absolutely lovely. The waterfront cottage designed by Karin Matz is minimally-funished and flooded with daylight, and makes a wonderful guest house for anyone interested in a rustic getaway!
