ReUse Ideas: #1

From the exotic plants of artist Hilary Pfeifer to the use of reclaimed windows and doors at the Sungarden Montessori school in Portland, creative reuse projects abound and are as varied as the materials they use. Here’s a sampling of some creative reuse projects from community members.

Hilary Pfeifer’s traveling exhibit “Natural Selection” offers an intriguing exploration of intimacy and relationships, while mimicking the ingenuity of nature in its reclamation of used materials. She created an installation of bonsai-like plants made mostly from reclaimed and scrap materials. The greenhouse in which they live was partially made from sliding glass doors donated by The ReBuilding Center.

The Sungarden Montessori school has also demonstrated the spirit of reuse by enhancing their space with the addition of a few colorful doors and windows.

And finally, thank you to Suzi Cloutier for sharing this message with us:

“10 years ago, I rebuilt my 250 square foot cabin with less than $500 worth of materials from the ReBuilding Center. It was a Godsend to a broke gal trying to make life work in a tiny house in the trees (which I lovingly did for 6 years). I love it and its mission as much today as I did back then, and am collecting parts for my next building project which will be a FULLY recycled materials Cobb Home.”

Way to go Suzi! Best of luck on your project.

Reuse Ideas Project

“Our United Villages inspires people to value and discover existing resources to strengthen the social and environmental vitality of communities.”

That’s the mission here at OUV and we strive to fulfill it in many different ways. One such manifestation is a project called ReUse Ideas.

The ReUse Ideas Project was born from a desire to encourage people to engage in “creative reuse.” Creative reuse means finding new purposes for salvaged materials, such as turning a door into a table or using a toilet as a planter. Creative reuse is a vital component of the ethos at The ReBuilding Center, where materials often rely on the ingenuity of design to bring them back to life.

What makes the ReUse Ideas Project so special is that it is driven by the visitors and friends of The ReBuilding Center. We invite anyone and everyone to submit photos and descriptions of projects that incorporate salvaged materials. Whether you are re-tiling a bathroom, building a chicken-coop or re-designing your entire house, sharing these projects inspires creative reuse in others and propels the movement towards a more beautiful and sustainable world!

In addition, participants receive a 10% off coupon for their next ReBuilding Center purchase as well as the good feeling that comes with inspiring creative genius in others.

The ReUse Ideas Project is still very much in the works. We encourage you to give us feedback on how we can make this project more useful and effective. In the meantime, you can look forward to monthly features of ReUse Ideas on this blog in addition to a permanent ReUse Ideas gallery in the Community Resource Area of the warehouse. The gallery features extraordinary examples of reuse projects from TRC visitors and friends, tips and tricks from ReFind Furniture and a plethora of great ideas to inspire your next reuse adventure!

Interested in submitting? Here’s how it works:

1. Take a photo of your project and write a brief description of the process, materials used, how much you saved, etc. We love before and after shots!

2. Fill out the ReUse Ideas Form. This form is available at the cash register (in the center of The ReBuilding Center) or in the Community Resource Area. If you would like to print it yourself or submit the form electronically you can download it in pdf form by clicking here.

3. Submit your photo(s) and description with the ReUse Ideas Form. You can submit your ReUse Idea in person at the register, by mail (your coupon will be mailed to the return address) or by email. Send electronic submissions to communications@ourunitedvillages.org. If you submit electronically, please specify whether you would like the coupon mailed or would like to pick it up at the register.

4. Shop! Use your 10% off discount to purchase materials in the warehouse and create another ReUse masterpiece!

We look forward to seeing the ReUse Ideas Project flourish and we hope that you will find inspiration and motivation in the creative energy of others. As always, we appreciate your feedback and welcome questions! You can direct comments to communications@ourunitedvillages.org.

Small Space, Big Impact

Jeffrey Gantert and Brad Bloom of Portland Garden Cottages went above and beyond the call of reuse with these amazing cottages located in Upper Albina. The ReBuilding Center is proud to be a resource for local builders and designers looking for innovative solutions to reuse challenges.

Gantert and Bloom built these two 364sq.ft. cottages almost entirely of salvaged materials.

You can find out more about Gantert and Bloom on their website, http://portlandgardencottages.com/Portland-Garden-Cottages.

Better yet, follow their lead and discover new ways to reuse the materials you love. The Rebuilding Center sees many creative reuse projects all the time and we are happy to share these ideas with you. Just stop by the warehouse and check out our ReUse Idea Board. Not only will you be making a positive impact on local economy and environment, you will also receive a 10% off coupon for your next purchase when you bring or send us a picture of your ReUse project.

See you soon!