When looking at upcycled design products, I revel in objects that give us a clue to their past life. Not only because as an architect I like to see a material used to its fullest potential, but also from a green standpoint. The more minimal the adaptation process is from step A to step B, the less energy is used and the more environmentally friendly the product. Bike furniture by Andy Gregg takes a grungy, kitschy approach to reuse, whereas the Panda Chair by Belen Hermosa recycles CDs straight into a science fiction masterpiece.

Blinded. Designed by Gruba Design Studio.

Gruba, an Argentinian design studio has come up with an interesting take on upcycled furniture. At first glance, the sofa chair looks like a shapely lounge piece with a comfy curve made of wood slats. Upon closer investigation, it turns out the wood slats are in fact recycled wood blinds that have been painted and wrapped around a reconstituted wood frame. The chair reminds me of the Mod Rocker by Igloo Play, which is a curvaceous rocking chair for kids made from molded plywood.

I like that the chair is sturdy without being bulky. The use and treatment of the recycled blinds is crucial to making the piece look lighter and more tailored. The recessed view of the reconstituted wood provides a nice contrast to the sleek blinds in both texture and color. Gruba has a few other pieces in their collection which are worth looking at, particularly benches made from reconstituted wood and reclaimed iron. All of the materials used to make the furniture can be recycled a second time at the end of their life as a Gruba design.

via Treehugger