RESPONSIBLE RECYCLING

The use of recycled materials in homes is about reflecting where they come from and also the responsibility of where they will go.

- By Bindu Gopal Rao

Using recycled materials today is not about ticking a sustainability box. It is about making spaces that feel intentional, grounded and emotionally resonant. We speak to experts to tell us more.

LOOKING BACK TO LOOK AHEAD

Most conscientious designers have always believed that recycled materials carry memory and have a sustainability approach which is deeply personal and grounded in how they relate to materiality. Aneri Mehta, Co-founder of ACKM Studio, says, "Over the years, we have naturally gravitated toward four responsible materials: terrazzo, PET acoustic panels, LEED-certified lighting, and reclaimed wood. These form the backbone of our recycled and conscious design philosophy.

Our recycled products span terrazzo made with reclaimed stone chips, PET acoustic panels created from recycled plastic bottles, reclaimed wood furniture and joinery, and lighting that is LEED-certified for energy efficiency and low environmental impact. One of our key examples is Perona at the Bangalore International Airport, which was designed and delivered as an entirely LEED-certified project — every fixture, material, and fitting aligned with global sustainability standards. Another example is our effort to reuse and transform pieces on site: old furniture is frequently sanded, refinished, reupholstered, or redesigned to give it a completely fresh identity instead of being discarded.”

MATERIAL MATTERS