In order to implement circular economy in the furniture sector, the canton of Zurich launched an upcycling project: the result was ReCollection ZH with 14 types of furniture.

Increasing digitalization has significantly changed the demand for furniture: many storage units and tables have become redundant, raising the question of how to make good use of the existing materials. The interior design teams at the Building Department of the Canton of Zurich and the University of Zurich developed an innovative solution: they initiated and ventured into their own furniture collection based on components of the stored furniture, such as panel material and steel pipes, and included these in their own furniture collection.

They initiated and ventured into their own furniture collection based on components from the stored furniture, such as panel material and steel tubes, and included it in the cantonal procurement catalog.
They paid special attention to the soft seating area, as the production of new furniture in this segment is particularly resource-intensive.

The goal was to produce furniture that was not only sustainable but also competitively priced. “ReCollection ZH is intended to show what is possible. In terms of design, we took our cue from the Bauhaus philosophy of simplicity,” explains Alan Lippmann, head of interior design at the canton's real estate office.

ReCollection ZH furniture is not only practical, but also serves as food for thought for planners of future cantonal construction projects. Although this furniture is intended for public use, it can also be used in private homes.

The ReCollection ZH furniture not only serves as practical furnishings, but also as food for thought for planners of future cantonal construction projects.

Although this furniture is intended to meet the needs recreation areas, they are an integral part of the cantonal shop and are treated like new furniture. Their history and sustainable concept speak for themselves. The furniture is made from recycled wood and is available in a variety of colors.