Pritzker Prize winning architect, Shigeru Ban, helped to bring the cardboard to the forefront of design by incorporating it into applications beyond packaging. Now, Amsterdam-based collective, Fiction Factory, has created a modular housing design that’s composed largely of cardboard.
The project has been dubbed Wikkelhouse, which translates as Wrap House. The completed prototype is made up of a series of interlocking cardboard components that each weight about 500 kilograms. Each component has a width of 3.9 feet (1.2 meters), and allows the designers to easily adjust the overall length of the structure.
The shell is composed of 24 layers of cardboard, that’s moulded into the house shape, and bonded with an environmentally friendly superglue. From the designers: “Using cardboard as its main building material, Wikkelhouse is a cutting-edge sustainable house with a beautiful design and exceptional constructive strength.”
The modularity of the design also makes it easy to transport. The exterior is finished in a waterproof membrane, over which timber siding is fastened. Apparently its lightweight design allows it to be installed without a foundation. However, it does look to be set on some sort of concrete plinth.
Depending on your needs, you can add on a kitchen, shower, or bathroom. In terms of longevity, the structure is designed to last at least 50 years, after which it can be recycled: “It is as much as three times more durable than traditional construction and has an expected life of at least 50 years.”
Intended use for the Wikkelhouse ranges from a getaway cabins and home offices, to disaster relief housing.
For prefab houses check out Mima Light, a minimalist home with a tiny footprint. Or, Cocoon9’s luxurious prefab micro homes. See all prefab.
Via Dezeen
Photos: Fiction Factory
“Made out of cardboard?” people ask. Yes folks it has been done before.
In Christchurch, New Zealand they built a temporary Cathedral after the gorgeous building that they had was munted by the 2011 earthquake. Made of cardboard tubes that are sealed for watertightness. Not sure but I’d hazard a guess that they used epoxy resin for the sealant.
What’s the price and where can you buy one
Please tell me where I can buy one and how much they cost. I love it.
Try this as you first point of call…
http://www.fictionfactory.nl/home.php?p=contact
and… learn to use links at the bottom of the articles. Helps tremendously. Hope you find what you are looking for.
Would this structure survive as a floating house?