At Studio G, we see renovation as a form of extreme recycling. We love re-imagining and re-purposing old buildings for new programs. Salvaging and highlighting the ‘bones’ of an original structure can be a beautiful and sustainable approach to design. But what about all the stuff inside? For lack of a better term, let’s call it the ‘guts’ i.e. fixtures, finishes and equipment. As we move forward with our very own office renovation (located in a former brewery building), we are busy planning not only the bones of our space, but we’re also carefully considering what to do with the guts. Instead of demolishing and discarding old material and furniture that we no longer need, we’re aiming to donate or recycle as much as possible.

With this goal in mind, we reached out to several local organizations and non-profits. And we didn’t have to go far to find a new home for our old materials! A volunteer-based bike co-op in Jamaica Plain called the Community Spoke will reuse a number of different fixtures and casework to furnish and organize their space. We’re happy to help them rebuild their shop after an unfortunate break-in last year that forced them to close their doors. All remaining materials will be donated to Boston Building Resources, a charitable nonprofit organization that assists homeowners and renovators, encouraging them to “make a positive impact on their communities and the environment as they care for and improve their homes.”

To learn more, please visit:

http://www.bostonbuildingresources.com/

http://thecommunityspoke.org/