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Recycled Paper Tubes and Pet Bottle Structure for Self-Sustaining Traveler Shelter

Authors:
Anna Wikiera, Karolina Tadek, Magdalena Wiktorska, Weronika Kaczmarek
Recycled Paper Tubes and Pet Bottle Structure for Self-Sustaining Traveler Shelter
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Constructed with recycled paper tubes and pet bottles, this self-sustaining shelter provides a practical refuge for travelers while integrating sustainable materials to minimize environmental impact.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed primarily from recycled paper tubes, enhancing structural integrity while minimizing environmental impact.
02
Incorporates pet bottles in its design, promoting a resourceful approach to sustainable building materials.
03
Features a rainwater harvesting system to support self-sufficiency in water usage.
04
Low-impact construction methods allow for easy transportation to remote locations.
05
Combines public and private spaces to facilitate community interaction and individual privacy.

### Overview
Located in Latvia, the Lighthouse project aims to provide shelter for travelers while harmonizing with the natural environment. The design integrates modern sustainability practices with traditional architectural principles, utilizing innovative materials and construction techniques to address ecological challenges.

### Materiality and Sustainability
A defining characteristic of the Lighthouse is its thoughtful selection of materials. Structural elements include recycled paper tubes, which offer strength and insulation while minimizing wood usage. PET bottles are ingeniously repurposed within the assembly, contributing to environmental sustainability. Additionally, wooden components pay homage to traditional Latvian architecture, ensuring aesthetic coherence with the local context. Solar panels installed on the roof harness renewable energy for lighting and other functions, while a rainwater harvesting system promotes efficient water use.

The construction methods employed are intentionally low-impact, with lightweight materials designed for easy transportation to remote sites, thus reducing environmental disruption. Features such as a dry toilet system enhance the project's self-sufficiency, and the layout separates public and private spaces, accommodating a range of activities. The multifunctional design supports both communal and private uses, fostering social interactions while maintaining personal privacy.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

`
Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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Design the next suburban home for the USA

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Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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