Build Smart with Recycled Materials

This earthship is made out of reclaimed timbers and glazing

At Pablito Design Studio, we believe great design doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag — or a heavy environmental footprint. More and more, we’re seeing incredible opportunities for clients to save thousands on their builds by rethinking where their materials come from. The secret? Salvage, reuse, and smart design.

You’d be amazed at what’s out there. Every week on Gumtree, Facebook Marketplace, and local buy-swap-sell pages, there are people giving away or selling for next to nothing things like:

Glass shower screens
Kitchen benchtops and cabinets
Doors and windows
Reclaimed bricks
Timber beams and floorboards
Metal sheets
And so much more!

Free glass doors being given away for free on Gumtree

These materials often come from demolitions, renovations, or over-ordered stock — and they're just waiting for a second life.

The Art of Designing with Salvaged Materials

You might be thinking: but won’t that look messy or patchy? That’s where good design makes all the difference.

When we work closely with clients who are keen to use salvaged materials, we start by understanding what materials they can realistically source and what’s available locally. From there, we integrate these materials intentionally into the design. Rather than being an afterthought, those beautiful vintage windows, recycled brick walls, or mixed timber doors become the character-defining features of the home.

It’s about creating a cohesive, visually pleasing design that celebrates the story of each material while ensuring it fits together seamlessly.

Perfect for Granny Flats and Small Homes

This approach is especially ideal for:

Granny Flats
Secondary Dwellings
Single Detached Homes
Tiny Houses

Because of their scale, you don’t need large quantities of any one material. A small batch of reclaimed bricks might be enough for a feature wall. A set of old timber doors could become the centerpiece of an entryway. Offcuts of stone benchtops can be cut and reworked into bathroom vanities.

**This couple, Nick Olson and Lilah Horwitz took recycling to the extreme with Glass House--interesting facade of recycled doors and windows. Such a clever design!**

Why Go Salvaged?

✔️ Save Heaps: Materials like doors, windows, kitchen cabinetry, and shower screens can add up fast when bought new. By sourcing secondhand, you can easily cut tens of thousands off your total build cost.

✔️ Build Sustainably: Every salvaged material is one less item sent to landfill, and one less newly manufactured product that requires energy and resources to make. It’s a win for your wallet and the planet.

✔️ Add Character and Story: New builds can sometimes feel a little soulless. Integrating salvaged materials gives your home warmth, texture, and a narrative — imagine telling guests where your reclaimed timber flooring came from or that your benchtop was rescued from a fancy hotel renovation.

Others Are Already Leading the Way

We’re not alone in this movement. Local businesses like The Recycled Building Centre in Melbourne have been supplying reclaimed bricks, timbers, windows, and doors for years, supporting builders and designers who value sustainability and cost-saving. Visionaries like Joost Bakker have even taken it further, creating entire structures like Future Food System at Federation Square from salvaged materials, demonstrating the stunning potential of rethinking waste.

At Pablito Design Studio, we’re proud to be part of this growing community of designers and builders proving that you can build beautifully, sustainably, and affordably.

Let’s Design Your Dream Eco-Home Together

At Pablito Design Studio, we’re passionate about creating spaces that reflect your values, your style, and your budget. If you’re keen to explore a build using salvaged and recycled materials, we’d love to chat.

We’ll guide you through: