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Biodegradable Cardboard Shelter With Flexible Modular Layouts for Sustainable Living

Authors:
Jerzy Łątka, Dominika Jezierska, Agata Jasiołek, Jagoda Gromek
Biodegradable Cardboard Shelter With Flexible Modular Layouts for Sustainable Living

Project in-detail

Utilizing biodegradable cardboard and innovative modular construction, this design offers adaptable living solutions that respond to individual needs while promoting sustainability.
5 key facts about this project
01
The project utilizes biodegradable cardboard as the primary structural material for enhanced sustainability.
02
Modular units allow for flexible configurations tailored to occupants' changing needs.
03
Customizable interior spaces feature a mix of paperboard and impregnated wood finishes.
04
Each unit is designed for easy assembly and disassembly, promoting a circular economy in housing.
05
Roof shapes are optimized for local climate conditions, improving energy efficiency and comfort.

The Adjustable Cardboard Home (A.C.H) represents a significant advancement in architectural design, focusing on sustainability and modular living. This project emphasizes the use of cardboard and other biodegradable materials, driving a conversation around affordable housing solutions that align with contemporary environmental standards. The design seeks not only to provide shelter but also to foster adaptability in the use of space, allowing inhabitants to modify their living environments according to their individual needs and lifestyles.

At its core, the A.C.H is designed to function as a flexible living unit capable of responding to changes in family dynamics or personal preferences. Its modular approach comprises individual units that can stand alone or be combined with others to enhance living space. This adaptability is essential in addressing the shifting patterns of urban development, where the demand for diverse housing types is increasing. The project reflects a thoughtful consideration of how architecture can evolve to meet the needs of different populations, making it relevant in various demographic contexts.

Key components of the Adjustable Cardboard Home include a range of unique features that differentiate it from traditional housing designs. First and foremost, the use of modularity allows homeowners to customize their homes easily. These living units can be expanded or contracted without significant structural changes, making it a practical solution for families who may experience fluctuations in their housing needs. This flexibility is reflected in the various layout options available, allowing for tailored configurations that align with the occupants' daily lives.

The choice of materials is equally critical to the project's identity. The primary material—cardboard—offers a lightweight yet robust solution for construction. This includes various types, such as paperboard, corrugated cardboard, and honeycomb structures, which enhance both insulation properties and structural integrity. The incorporation of cellulose fiber further emphasizes the home’s energy efficiency, targeting reduced carbon footprints and environmentally friendly living. Alongside recyclable materials like impregnated wood and high-pressure laminate for cladding, these components work together to create a sustainable living environment.

A noteworthy aspect of the design is the attention to spatial organization, where the arrangement of the internal layout promotes functionality and comfort. The interiors can be adorned with a blend of materials, including simple paperboard finishes or more elaborate impregnated paper tubes, enabling residents to create spaces that resonate with their personal style. Additionally, a diverse selection of roof shapes—ranging from flat to gabled designs—provides aesthetic variation while accommodating local climatic conditions. This consideration of environment in the architectural design affirms the project’s commitment to contextual integrity.

The assembly process of the Adjustable Cardboard Home is another key feature that supports its viability as a housing solution. By utilizing prefabricated components, the construction becomes straightforward, facilitating quick assembly on-site. This method not only reduces labor costs but also minimizes material waste, underscoring the project's dedication to sustainable practices. Following the principles of a circular economy, the cardboard used in construction can be recycled at the end of its life cycle, encouraging environmentally responsible approaches in the residential sector.

The A.C.H is particularly significant in regions where affordable and flexible housing options are critically needed. The design engages with contemporary urban phenomena, addressing both the social and environmental implications of modern living. Moreover, the project's innovative use of materials and adaptable spaces holds the potential to influence broader discussions about sustainable architecture and urban planning.

Readers interested in a deeper understanding of this architectural project are encouraged to explore the presentation of the Adjustable Cardboard Home for further details. By reviewing elements such as architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs, one can gain comprehensive insights into the unique ideas that underpin this project, reinforcing the relevance of adaptable living solutions in today’s architectural landscape.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

MICROHOME

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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