Reclaimed

Reclaimed explores how salvaged building materials can be given new life in homes that are both attractive and kinder to the planet. The book makes the case that brick can be cleaned and reused, timber grows harder with age, and metal develops an appealing patina without breaking down, so all three are well suited to reuse. It positions recycled materials as a credible alternative to products made from virgin resources and as a response to the wasteful use of materials in construction. Its focus is on contemporary homes built with reused components, including materials that might otherwise have been thrown away as waste. The twenty-four houses and apartments it features are grouped under four headings: brick, timber, metal, and a range of recycled materials.

Each project showcases inventive design and award-winning architecture. The examples range from a barn-style house constructed entirely from reclaimed bricks to a semidetached Edwardian home fitted with worktops and cabinets made from discarded plastic chopping boards and bottle caps. Across these projects, the book shows how imagination and style can coexist with ethical, sustainable building.

Beyond its showcase of homes, the book offers practical guidance on finding existing materials and on supporting a circular economy. It will be especially useful to anyone planning to build or renovate a stylish, environmentally responsible home. The book includes 336 color illustrations.