A 56-year-old Ho Chi Minh City resident has captured the imagination of locals by transforming his home with custom furniture made from more than 10,000 recycled glass bottles.

A passion for creative recycling

Mr. Dinh Nguyen Binh from Tan Phu district first discovered his fascination for empty glass bottles when he was young. Over time, he began collecting discarded bottles from friends and family, accumulating an impressive variety. With a keen eye for design, he gradually began using these glass pieces to create one-of-a-kind home furnishings.

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Binh with his custom-designed chairs adorned with recycled bottles. Photo: Ha Nguyen

One of his first projects was a set of guest chairs with matching tables, where each piece was designed by arranging and securing recycled glass bottles into sturdy metal frames. The process required extensive planning and took two years to complete, but even after 20 years, the furniture remains functional.

To surprise his wife on their anniversary, Binh handcrafted a bed with more than 200 glass bottles. He later added a reclining chair, each part assembled with carefully arranged bottles.

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A one-of-a-kind bar counter in Binh’s home. Photo: Ha Nguyen

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Binh’s bottle cap mural depicting a family scene. Photo: Ha Nguyen
 

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Mr. Binh personally designs and creates ceiling lights, decorative lights, and more using bottle materials for the rooms in his home. Photo: Ha Nguyen

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Various bottle caps and bottles are repurposed by him into decorative artwork on diverse themes. Photo: Ha Nguyen

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Mr. Binh transforms old, damaged scrap materials and mechanical parts into decorative items. Photo: Ha Nguyen

After 20 years, nearly 70% of Binh’s home decor now consists of unique pieces crafted from recycled bottles. He calls his home the “House That Gives Back,” symbolizing both the sustainable transformation of glass waste and the joy it brings to his family.

Finding fulfillment through a meaningful hobby

In addition to furniture, Binh creates captivating wall art using thousands of bottle caps, while old tools and scrap metal have become sculptures and playful decor.  

“It’s not just about repurposing waste. These creations are about finding beauty in the discarded and protecting our environment. Rather than contributing to pollution, we can make something that brings joy and value,” Binh shared, adding that he often lends his work to events promoting sustainability.

Binh’s “House That Gives Back” offers a striking example of how creativity and environmental consciousness can transform the ordinary into something extraordinary.

Ha Nguyen