There are certain objects which immediately bring to mind certain cities – for Buenos Aires, the wooden roller blinds on homes and businesses may just be those objects. They are simple but recognizable, ubiquitous and often discarded without a second thought.

Argentinian architects Maria Constanza Nuñez and Gabriel Pires Mateus, collectively known as Gruba, have created a line of recycled furniture from these wooden roller blinds that is uniquely Buenos Aires.

The salvaged bits and pieces are refinished to create sophisticated furniture that looks nothing like it was once discarded. The roller blind slats are joined together with simple wooden frames into chairs, loungers and coffee tables that are surprisingly elegant.

The ‘SOS de barrio’ equipment line arises from the recovery of wooden roller blinds that are discarded in typical Buenos Aires neighborhoods. Working on the morphology, variables arise that propose different uses: support surface, single and double seats, footrest, etc. Each product is UNIQUE, depending on the curtain that is re-used.”

Veering away from the wooden slats but staying in line with their green vision, Gruba also created this amusing – and probably very comfortable – stool called Banquito Willy. It features an engineered wooden frame that is held together without nails or glue, and a seat of recycled tennis balls.

Aboout Gruba:

“The team is led by architects Constanza Nuñez and Gabriel Pires Mateus and functions as a dynamic structure made up of industrial architects and designers working alongside other design disciplines. Both combine their professional activity with academic activity at the University of Buenos Aires. We design ACTIONS for Public and Private Institutions with the aim of improving people’s quality of life through design as a tool for Innovation. Among which we can highlight MATERIAL ARGENTINO and FABRICA Diseño e Innovación for the Ministry of Science, Technology and Productive Innovation of the Nation and DAR Design Argentino Responsible for the Ministry of Social Development of the Nation.”