Rather than defaulting to new products, we commit time and effort to sourcing reclaimed materials through multiple procurement routes. From structural steel and bricks to re-manufactured lighting and even sanitary-ware, we integrate re-used components across every level of our work. This process relies on an extensive network of salvage yards, specialist suppliers, and circular economy partners, and often requires careful planning to align availability with programme demands.

One key example of our approach is Sustainable Workspaces in County Hall. Here, we sourced Kitchen surfaces from reclaimed hardwood originally used in school chemistry laboratories—repurposing robust timber in a way that both preserves its original integrity and contributes to a compelling narrative. Elsewhere reclaimed light fittings doors and even sanitaryware were also integrated into the new space.

At Sustainable Workspaces in Manchester, our reuse strategy is central to the design. Timber flooring from a dismantled velodrome track now forms a distinctive feature within the space. We’ve also proposed using reclaimed textiles to form acoustic baffles—transforming waste material into high-performing interior elements.

Specifying reclaimed materials is a research-intensive process, demanding flexibility and creative problem-solving. We adapt designs around what’s available while ensuring architectural quality and performance remain uncompromised.

Looking to the future, we are committed to extending the lifecycle of materials beyond a single use. We are developing comprehensive documentation that tracks the origin, type, and location of materials and fittings within our projects. This data will support future re-use, enabling components to be easily identified, removed, and re-integrated elsewhere.

For us, re-use is not a constraint—it’s an opportunity. Through a combination of resourcefulness, collaboration, and rigorous documentation, we aim to embed circular thinking into the fabric of every project we deliver.