Tiles are one of the most common materials on a construction site. During installation, tiles often need to be cut to fit building dimensions and corners, which results in a large number of offcuts. These offcuts are usually similar in size—often just trimmed on one side—and visually, they look almost the same as new tiles.
META Design noticed these often-overlooked tile offcuts and began exploring how they might be reused in the office renovation. The team chose to apply them to the wall of the shared pantry area. This decision responded naturally to practical needs—such as splash resistance and ease of cleaning—while allowing reclaimed materials to blend seamlessly into everyday use.
The real challenge emerged once the project moved from idea to action. The edges of hese tile offcuts were not as straight or consistent as new tiles. During installation, even a slight deviation in one tile could cause the entire wall to appear misaligned, making gaps especially noticeable.
To re-square the edges of the tile offcuts, META Design spent considerable time searching for the right collaborators. Eventually, they found an elderly couple who ran a small tile-cutting workshop. What they took the greatest pride in was their ability to create clean, well-proportioned tile edges—especially at corners. This craftsmanship was the result of decades of experience, reflecting the depth and skill of a generation of Taiwan’s manufacturing industry.
With META Design’s planning, the support of these master craftsmen, and the careful work of installers, the wall made from reclaimed tile offcuts was finally completed. While the number of reused tiles in this wall was limited, the project prompted a larger question: how could corporate resources and influence be used to extend this value even further?
This question led to the launch of the Farglory Construction Tile Recycling Program, in collaboration with Champion Tiles. Through this initiative, tile offcuts from individual construction sites are collected, remanufactured into recycled tiles, and then applied in subsequent projects. In doing so, materials are no longer consumed only once, but are able to circulate continuously from one construction site to the next.
Related Link : Farglory Construction Tile Recycling Program
Photo Credit: META Design
