Located on Gough St where Soho becomes Noho; an area of Hong Kong fast becoming known for the groovy vibe that is spreading its way through the streets.  

Presenting a retail experience with a conscience makes ECOLS stand out, as the reuse and recycle theme runs strong across the product range.  It will be great to see how this store grows and evolves while keeping true to the simple Eco Lifestyle core message -

…it is easy to take part in making a change and making a difference.

Have a deeper look to see featured designers, unique products and more at ECOLS.

It may be the nostalgic allure suggested by Isocpeur font, or it could be the stark contrast of blacks, whites and bright colours.  Whatever the reason, there is something about these bracelets that goes beyond recycling whimsy.  Truly adding value to an object that has exceeded its original function, these eye opening creations of Craig’s continue to demand a high price.

Head over to Oye Modern where current versions can be purchased, and past incarnations can be admired.

From time to time, designers turn their heads towards cardboard as a material solution in furniture design.  There are many reasons to do this - from the eco-conscious to the fiscally frugal, chances are high that cardboard chairs will continue to feature in our furnished futures.   Today we are bringing you an elegant solution from Peter Raacke, pioneer in the use of cardboard for domestic furniture.

Gathering momentum in the late 1960’s, Peter developed a range of cardboard pieces that make clever use of all of the strengths that this material provides.  Light weight, hard-wearing, versatile in finishing and most importantly, accessible for the masses.   Originally designed for poor people, the “Otto” chair (featured above) was the first industrially manufactured cardboard easy chair.   The success of this design resulted in the range boasting a proud history in the homes of design connoisseurs over the past five decades.

See more from Peter Raacke at his website, and even pick yourself up an Otto of your own at the appropriately named Pulpo.  

We learned about Peter and the Otto at Better Taste Than Sorry.

This Ukranian-born Frenchman began his remarkable constructions as a part of the rebuilding process on a modest suburban block following World War II.   Gradually progressing from shell decorations on the outer walls, to columns with connecting beams and then… well, the pictures really have to be seen to be believed.

A collector, a hoarder, a builder, a sculpter; Bodan’s efforts continue to amaze and astound as people are exposed to the value he placed on discarded objects.  The care with which so many diverse cultural remnants have been reused is evident in the smallest details as well as the entire broad-sweeping vision.  Truly an ordered chaos like no other.

We discovered Bodan Litnianski in several forms at Outsider Environments.  Head to this informative blog, if you are interested in following the plight currently being undertaken to save the Garden of Shells…

” … a powerful plea by the architect Jean-Marc Huygen to save the site as an example and a source of inspiration to live differently nowadays, once one realises that this site is a heritage of humanity and has all aspects of sustainability, the paradigm of our time.”

Outsider Environments

Bodan Litnianski’s Jardin du coquillage / Garden of shells

The mind behind (and founder of) makedo, Paul Justin, has been highlighted in this select group of creative thinkers to watch out for in the year ahead. 

Flick through a copy of Blueprint issue 286 yourself, or read the full article online to learn more.

The results of these efforts are often quite stunning.  Such outcomes are easily within reach of the everyday tinkerer, as can be seen in the many tutorials that can be found online.  

It is great to observe how creative approaches to reuse are not only keeping products with us for longer, but they are also adding beauty and life to both homes and workplaces.  

For further discussions on this project as well as handy step-by-step guides, head over to Instructables.