09 Recycled Paper Home

This traditional Japanese themed eco-house was intended for a quick-to-construct and affordable shelter for victims of natural disasters, but since paper is made of wood, it can also be used as an affordable environment-friendly log house.

The eco-house is raised on beer crates filled with sand bags forming its foundation and making it flood-resistant. It is followed by a layer of plywood for the flooring. Pegs are arranged on the edge of the flooring to secure the floor in position.

Then, 106mm diameter, 4mm thick cardboard tubes, made of recycled paper, are placed on the flooring in the position of walls. Additional support is provided to the structure using rods placed horizontally in the tubes. For insulation, a waterproof sponge tape backed with adhesive is sandwiched between the paper logs of the walls.

A plywood frame with tent-like material is bound to the frame as part of the roofing system, but can also be covered with compressed thatch or palm leaves.

The materials are easy to store and transport to site, including the recycled paper tubes. The eco-house is easy to dismantle, and the material can be easily disposed or recycled.

The porch around the house, thatched roof and exterior wall plastering or panelling are all optional.