August 31, 2023
Meet Seven Superstars of Salvage
These small businesses and resources embody the beauty of entrepreneurship, the ability to see value where others cannot and to turn that into economic and social opportunity. They are proof that the era of virtuous materials and structures is officially under way. The most attractive resources are those extracted from waste, not the earth.
From the Throwbacks Home vintage store in Detroit (a supplier of curated found items for commercial projects) to the CARE (Carbon Avoided Retrofit Estimator) Tool, designed to help architects visualize the climate benefits of reuse, a special group of pioneers is paving the way for the rest of us. Meet all seven of METROPOLIS’s salvage superstars below.
PROFILES
Profiles
Woodward Throwbacks Transforms Landfill-Bound Goods into Modern Furniture
The Detroit-based manufacturer is one of several groups drawing on breakthrough research, tools, and sourcing systems to change building-material reuse.
Profiles
Cornell’s Circular Construction Lab Champions Building-Material Reuse
Drawing on breakthrough research, tools, and sourcing systems, METROPOLIS rounds up seven groups that are championing building-material reuse.
Profiles
Los Angeles Nonprofit ANEW Fosters Stewardship and Circularity
The company works with corporations to procure office furniture, fixtures, equipment, office supplies, and office appliances.
Profiles
Rheaply Brings Ingenuity to Recycling Building Materials
Drawing on breakthrough research, tools, and sourcing systems, these seven groups are championing building-material reuse.
Profiles
Salvage Superstar: Renovation Angel
This Fairfield, New Jersey–based recycler is one of seven groups drawing on breakthrough research, tools, and sourcing systems to change building-material reuse.
Profiles
The CARE Tool Answers the Question: Renovate or Replace?
One of Metropolis’s “Salvage Superstars,” this tool compares the carbon impact of updating existing buildings versus building new.
Profiles
Salvage Superstar: Doors Unhinged
This Pittsburgh company is one of seven drawing on breakthrough research, tools, and sourcing systems to change building-material reuse.
Would you like to comment on this article? Send your thoughts to: [email protected]
Latest
Viewpoints
Claire Pijoulat and Odile Hainaut on What to Expect at ICFF 2026
METROPOLIS associate editor and ICFF Editor’s Awards juror checks in with the fair’s brand directors on what they’re most excited about at this year’s edition.
Viewpoints
Milan Design Week: 7 New Sustainable Products and Perspectives
At Salone del Mobile and Fuorisalone, installations and booths showcase lower-impact materials and products—from pollinator baths to recyclable polyester padding.
Projects
Electrolit’s Houston Headquarters Brings Guadalajaran Craft to a Texan Landmark
For Electrolit’s growing US operations, a team of Mexican, Spanish, and American architects reimagined a 1930 Spanish Revival structure in Houston