We Uncover the Salone del Mobile’s Finest Green Design Gems in Milan’s Brera District

The narrow and elegant streets of the Brera district are home to some of the world's finest shops and art galleries, and up until a few years ago, the neighborhood didn't stray from its offer of haute couture and expensive art. However, today, Brera has become a highly credible destination for design—including those with a sustainable bent. In addition to spotting some lust-worthy pieces coming from well-known luxury brands here, we also uncovered some of the best green furniture and products in all of the <a title="Milan Design Week" href="http://inhabitat.com/milan-furniture-fair/" target="_blank">Milan Furniture Fair</a>. See our favorites ahead.

Palermo-based designer <a title="Alfred von Escher " href="http://www.vonescher.com/" target="_blank">Alfred von Escher</a> of Studio247 reclaims old scaffolding and wood stock and recycles every single piece to create Leftover. Using nothing but the dismantled crates, the simple design becomes a unique piece enriched with subtle imperfections.

Italian artist <a title="Clara Rigamonti" href="http://www.clararigamonti.it/" target="_blank">Clara Rigamonti</a> perfectly masters upcycling in her collection Resurrection, where forgotten vintage objects are given a second life. The quirky objects are made out of mechanical parts, such as a washing machine drum which turns into a light.

And here, she transforms an old bath into a comfortable sofa. The whole collection is handmade and the designer is keen to transform your favorite old object into something unique.

A motorbike is painted in metallic silver and becomes a high table with the simple addition of a glass top by <a title="Clara Rigamonti" href="http://www.clararigamonti.it/" target="_blank">Clara Rigamonti</a>.

<a title="Juan Ruiz Rivas " href="http://www.homelessdesign.net/product/a-rope-by-juan-ruiz-rivas/" target="_blank">Juan Ruiz Rivas</a>' project is born out of the idea of making a structure without the use of any type of adhesive, nail or hinge. The hemp rope is the only element in the A-Rope pine bench keeping the structure together.

<a title="Juan Ruiz Rivas " href="http://www.homelessdesign.net/product/a-rope-by-juan-ruiz-rivas/" target="_blank">Juan Ruiz Rivas</a>' project is born out of the idea of making a structure without the use of any type of adhesive, nail or hinge. The hemp rope is the only element in the A-Rope pine bench keeping the structure together.

New Dimension Tiles by designer <a title="Soriano Blanco" href="http://www.sorianoblanco.com/" target="_blank">Juan Soriano Blanco</a> is a set of wall tiles made out of natural cork. An unexpected functionality is added to these tiles: when pulling the round hob, an elastic band can store any object, from a simple pen to a pot of flowers.

The traditional Italian cupboard is reinterpreted by Mattia Menegatti for <a title="Alpac" href="http://www.alpacsrl.com/" target="_blank">Alpac Srl</a> using Re-board, a patented rigid paperboard manufactured in Sweden that is<strong> </strong>incredibly lightweight yet exceptionally strong. The alveolar structure is particularly tight and can support 17 kilograms per square meter; it’s waterproof and can be treated against fire.

Again for <a title="Alpac" href="http://www.alpacsrl.com/" target="_blank">Alpac Srl</a>, London-based designer <a title="Marc Krusin" href="http://www.marckrusin.com/" target="_blank">Marc Krusin</a> has created a series of lampshades called Bee Hive that are made from superimposing layers of Re-board, a patented rigid paperboard manufactured in Sweden. When illuminated the alveolar structure emits a warm glow.

Second Prize winner of 2012 Salone Satellite Awards, Madrid-based design studio <a title="Micomoler" href="http://micomoler.com/" target="_blank">Micomoler</a> creates beautiful contemporary objects with an eye on traditional crafts and materials. Thumi is a versatile basket made out of wicker and wood that can be used in several ways. With its adjustable legs, Thumi becomes a stool or a low table. Lift the wooden lid and it turns into a small storage solution.

One design, all kinds of materials. With the Material Pendant, the idea is expressed in just about every material imaginable. From oak to marble, from cork to terracotta, from concrete to cryptonite, Danish duo designers <a title="Norgaard &amp; Kechayas" href="http://noergaard-kechayas.com/" target="_blank">Nørgaard &amp; Kechayas</a> are lighting up the modern Danish design scene with a no-nonsense idea.

We loved the juxtapositions of materials, textures and colors of <a title="Pia Wustenberg" href="http://www.piadesign.eu" target="_blank">Pia Wustenberg</a>'s Transformed Stacking Vessels. Modern sculptures combining three different materials (wood, glass, ceramic) and craft techniques, play a trick: viewed from the front, the Vessels appear symmetrical; viewed from the side, they appear asymmetrical.

Award-winning furniture designer and founder of British-based company <a title="Channels" href="http://www.channelsdesign.com" target="_blank">Channels</a>, Samuel Chan, has launched a new collection where wood is king. We like the clean lines, the careful and considered design, and the craftsmanship that expertly shape the dark-toned wood of the lampshades and Monty Lounge Chair. The chair is made from shaped plywood, veneered and lightly upholstered for extra comfort.