Transforming recycled glass into timeless art—where sustainability meets creativity!
Commercial
Product development and large scale projects. Delivering for architectural and commercial developments with experience in interdisciplinary team-work and contributions to early-stage design and product development.
Oseng-Rees Reflection is member of Sell2Wales with Dun & Bradstreet's DUNS number 226614697, and registered in Companies House with Company number 13976975
By becoming a member of a development team Oseng-Rees Reflection can develop bespoke products which can be tested and adjusted to meet specific requirements needed for a public environment. During development meetings we can deliver design updates, material samples or test results which can be discussed as a part of the progression of a bespoke design to ensure all design specifications and design targets will be met for all parties. Oseng-Rees Reflection can offer short-term contract options or a retainer contract which will ensure that all phases of the project will be documented. As a part of the service offer, Oseng-Rees can document the carbon emission savings during the manufacturing process which can be made into a promotional video.
Recycled Glass Shingles for Redruth Buttermarket Restoration
Explore the sustainable transformation of the Buttermarket in Redruth, Cornwall, where 800 white shingles crafted from 1.5 tonnes of recycled glass bottles redefine architectural innovation. Produced by Oseng-Rees Reflection in collaboration with Thread architects, these tiles harmoniously integrate with traditional slate, exemplifying a unique blend of historical preservation and modern sustainability that underscores environmental responsibility in design.
Oseng-Rees Reflection Ltd has been instrumental in the transformation of the Grade II listed Buttermarket building by developing and fabricating these custom shingles from recycled glass. This initiative illustrates how circular economy principles incorporate into contemporary architecture while revitalising a historic site. The project's success credits to the visionary design of Architect Jen Boddington and Director Claire Fear from Thread Ltd, whose innovative approach merges historical preservation with sustainable practices throughout the restoration.
The installation of these recycled glass shingles enhances the building's aesthetic appeal with their semi-transparent appearance, crafted from repurposed waste glass bottles possessing a unique light transmission quality. The fusion process retains fragments of the original broken glass, creating a distinctive visual texture. When installed as cladding on an external wall, the tiles integrate seamlessly with traditional slate, serving as an effective weather barrier. They beautifully filter natural light on sunny days, providing a dynamic view from within the courtyard. The installation method follows traditional practices, ensuring a cohesive blend with the classic slate surroundings.
We are thrilled to announce that the glass wall created as part of this project has been shortlisted for the Surface Design Award 2025, alongside architect Jen Boddington and Claire Fear. This recognition underscores the innovative nature of the project and its commitment to sustainability and design excellence. You can find more details about the award and other nominees at the Surface Design Show.
The reception desk is made up of five large, backlight crystallized recycled glass panels. The glass panels have a semi translucent texture with a designed in subtle wave pattern. The wave is representing the water of Swansea Dock, drawing a connection from the historic use of Swansea Maritime period up to a new and contemporary use of Swansea SA1 Waterfront.
Backlight Panels for Reception Desk
Oseng-Rees Reflection was commissioned to design and manufacture recycled glass panels for the IQ reception desk as a part of a multimillion-pound faculty building for University of Wales Trinity Saint David at Swansea SA1 Marina. The reception desk is made from recycled glass designed in a bespoke maritime pattern positioned at the IQ Faculty building at University of Wales Trinity Saint David, Swansea SA1.
An interdisciplinary approach to the development was set up during the development phase and Oseng-Rees reflection were invited to a bi-monthly FF&E meetings of which design updates, material samples, and test results were presented to the project managers, contractors, and architects. The progression of the reception desk was discussed and reviewed to ensure design specifications and design targets were met for all parties. The design brief in phase 1 was signed off and the manufacturing and delivery of the crystallized glass panels would start.
Approximately three thousand waste glass bottles was collected from a local pub cleaned and processed.
*This video has no sound
Five interviews about the story of how the IQ reception desk came together.
What People Are Saying
“What I love about this project is that Tyra picked this up and absolutely ran with it. Tyra’s and her team’s design systems thinking meant that they wanted engineers, environmental conservationists, artists and others to work on a project that actually covers four schools of the University and two faculties.”
— Jane Davidson
Pro Vice-Chancellor
University of Wales Trinity Saint David
“We found the process of working with Tyra to be a collaboration in the true sense of the word. She and her team became an integrated part of the design team and brought an inspiring, fresh approach to the work.”
— Pierre Wassenaar
Director, Head of Technology and Innovation
Stride Treglown Architects
“Tyra came to us with the idea of trialling a new recycled glass material and we thought this was too an exciting opportunity to miss. It presented an opportunity for our students and academics to work together and it is a sustainable product that reuses a material that’s been in the local area. ”
— Mike Bessell
Senior Estates Manager at SA1 Swansea Waterfront
Memorial Plaque
This commemorative plaque, crafted from aqua coloured bottle glass and inscribed with black lettering, was created under the auspices of the Welsh Norwegian Society. It serves as an homage to Karen Allen's unwavering efforts to conserve the heritage of the Norwegian Church in Cardiff Bay. The plaque, featuring blue-hued fused recycled glass that echoes the hues of the church's paintings, represents her deep-seated dedication to both Wales and Norway. Inscribed with expressions of appreciation, it stands as an enduring symbol of her legacy and the perpetual charm of the Norwegian Church. May this plaque continually inspire us to recognize the significance of art and the vital role of cultural preservation.
Awards / Trophies
Research & Innovation Award
2020, 2022 and 2024
Swansea University
For the third consecutive occasion, Oseng-Rees Reflection has once again been chosen to design and produce the prestigious award trophies for the Swansea University Research and Innovation Awards. This enduring partnership, which began in 2020 and continued in 2022, has now extended to 2024, showcasing the university's unwavering trust and satisfaction in the artist's exceptional craftsmanship and commitment to excellence.
Presenting the captivating handmade recycled glass trophies, exclusively designed for Swansea University. These extraordinary trophies are meticulously handcrafted using fused bottle glass in a striking aqua color, reflecting the university's dedication to sustainability. Each trophy is adorned with elegant blue lettering, featuring the winner's category and the esteemed Swansea University logo. Thirteen trophies have been carefully produced, and an accompanying video offers a delightful 360-degree view of these remarkable creations.
Crafted with precision and care, these trophies are composed of layers of fused recycled aqua-coloured glass, resulting in a tasteful double-layered design achieved using waterjet cutting and meticulous assembly techniques. The trophies emanate an understated elegance and sophistication, elevating them to the status of exceptional works of art.
We would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to the following winners for their outstanding achievements and contributions:, and click on this link to read more about the awards and the winners.
The Children’s Legal Centre Wales, for their significant civic contributions, exemplifying the values of justice and advocacy.
The CORE Group, for their pivotal role in shaping the university's culture and environment, fostering a vibrant and inclusive community.
The Welsh Institute of Performance Science, for their exceptional efforts in extending the impact of science and technology, pushing the boundaries of innovation.
The Swansea University Simulation and Immersive Learning Centre, for their groundbreaking advancements in health and well-being, revolutionizing the way we approach medical education.
Professor Nigel Pollard, for his influential work in arts, culture, and society, inspiring generations with his profound insights and contributions.
OSR4Rights and TRUE, for their collaborative efforts with international reach, driving positive change and promoting social justice worldwide.
Dr Denis Dennehy, for his exceptional research supervision, nurturing the next generation of scholars and pushing the boundaries of knowledge.
The Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Research Technical Team, for their unwavering commitment to excellence, leading the way in sustainable aquatic solutions.
Lastly, we commend early-career researchers Dr Joe Whittaker, Dr Helen Chadwick, Dr Laura Galante, and postgraduate researcher John Hudson for their promising work and potential, showcasing their dedication to advancing their respective fields.
Congratulations to all the winners.
Swansea University Research and Innovation Award 2020
A great range of research and innovation carried out at Swansea University was honoured and celebrated at the Research and Innovation Awards 2020. Reinforcing their commitment to supporting sustainable and economic prosperity in the region, Swansea University commissioned Oseng-Rees Reflection to create the trophies for their highly prestigious centenary award celebration with winners spread over ten categories exemplifying the quality, relevance and positive global impact of Swansea University’s research and innovation. To read more about the winners and the R&I 2020 award ceremony at Swansea University please click here.
These award trophies are a demonstration of how research and innovation can progress from academic research into a viable business in arts, science and sustainability. The low temperature fusing methodology was developed through doctoral research, transforming the glass bottles into a crystalline material that no longer act nor look like glass. Its crystalline layers can be seen on the edges of the trophies which were waterjet cut at Cross Engineering Swansea Ltd into the unique R&I 2020 design.
“We first met Tyra at one of our Swansea University: LINC events, which aim to bring together stakeholders from across Wales to collaborate for growth. Here we learned of Tyra’s enterprising work and discussed the innovation that underpinned it. Having explored a range of trophy options, we were pleased to be in a position to commission the production of a stunning set of trophies for Swansea University’s first major Centenary celebration.“
Emma Dunbar
Head of Engagement, Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Swansea University
iSustain Award
Institute for Sustainable Design ISustain Award 2015
Bespoke design for the iSustain award, hosted by Institute for Sustainable Design 2015. Water-jet cut recycled fused bottle glass.
Interior Tiles
Interior Tiles Grwp Gwalia
Grwp Gwalia an architectural practice based in Wales commissioned the development of interior tiles made of fused recycled bottle glass. This project was designed for a new build development based on sustainable principles. Research considered objective design criteria, including bending strength, stability, stain and scratch resistance, as well as aesthetic features such as colouring, translucency, texture and reproducibility. Mechanical analysis showed the fused recycled bottle glass tiles exceeded the performance of commercially available tiles.
User perception was also a key aspect of the design process and to assess product acceptability a questionnaire was undertaken with 180 people from various backgrounds. The survey assessed the perceived aesthetic, value and mechanical integrity of two recycled glass tile designs alongside three commercially available competitors. Results showed that the recycled fused tiles compared very favourably against the high-end commercially available tile, whilst portraying unique environmental values that exploit a locally sourced waste material.
We’d love to work with you.
If you would like to discuss how Oseng-Rees Reflection can implement a low carbon material into your architectural project, please book an appointment to discuss all the options.