Reception: Local Inventory

Every year, millions of tonnes of materials are removed from Toronto buildings, most of it reusable yet rarely recovered. Despite growing attention to waste reduction in the built environment, systems for reintroducing these materials into the supply chain remain limited.

This work presents a new approach. Developed by Ouroboros Deconstruction in collaboration with designer Daniel Gruetter, it explores how common reclaimed materials such as dimensional lumber, flooring and fixtures can be standardized and re-engineered into products suitable for repeatable production.

Installed in Ouroboros’ new studio at 178 Queens Quay East, the event will launch a ‘new’ collection of stools, shelving and tables designed for small-batch manufacturing using recovered Toronto-area materials. Each prototype demonstrates how salvage can move beyond custom fabrication toward a scalable model of circular manufacturing.

Daniel Gruetter creates furniture and objects that merge traditional craft with contemporary design. His work demonstrates environmental stewardship through careful material selection, emphasizing the value inherent in local resources. His practice aligns with Ouroboros’ mission to connect design, reuse and urban resource management, showing that refined craftsmanship and circular production can operate within the same system.

Through this collaboration, Ouroboros and Gruetter propose a practical, design-led strategy for closing the loop between demolition and production. The project shows how local materials and skilled making can reduce dependence on global supply chains and re-establish a culture of resourcefulness in design.

This event is part of the DesignTO Festival 2026. Check out all other events on their website: https://designto.org/2026-festival-schedule/