RSS FeedJul 22 2009
The Paper House Puts A Spotlight On What Is Possible
Most people would be pretty interested in a $5,000 house. This tiny house concept may only be around 400 square feet, but undoubtedly the concept is quite interesting and quite large. Gerd Niemoeller is the man behind The Paper House. This house is made completely from paper, weighs only about 1,700 pounds and uses recycled cardboard and newspapers to form the structure. This Swiss-based inventor has taken recycled paper and created very strong honeycomb walls. The end result is a building material that is surprisingly strong and durable. Originally, the concept conceived as being a solution for the homeless, those living in shantytowns and refugee camps.
It is this idea of bringing ultra-affordable housing, made from recycled materials, to the poorest people in the world that is driving Niemoeller’s concept. Currently, the idea is being to catch on and Nigeria has already placed an order for 2,400 units. While the concept may have been developed for the developing countries and the homeless, the ideas behind it are rich in possibilities. The Wall Paper House points the way in terms of what is possible for tiny houses and for rebooting our concept of what housing is in general. By taking something as simple as recycled paper and using technology to create a strong building materials, Niemoeller is pointing the way as to what is achievable if only the will is present.
The Wall Paper House has a lot going for it. The fact that its lightweight means it can be easily transported around the world. Niemoeller and his company Wall are already looking into plans to export the building know-how and materials to countries that have expressed interest. Further, its low-cost could open up options for those that currently have little or no access to proper housing. A third aspect of The Wall Paper House that is making people sit up and take notice is that the structure is very sturdy, water resistant and even earthquake proof. The $5,000 price tag even includes a bathroom.
While The Wall Paper House may not be the most luxurious home many have ever seen, its potential for a positive impact is quite large. Inventor Niemoeller and all involved should be commended for their efforts.
Most people would be pretty interested in a $5,000 house. This tiny house concept may only be around 400 square feet, but undoubtedly the concept is quite interesting and quite large. Gerd Niemoeller is the man behind The Paper House. This house is made completely from paper, weighs only about 1,700 pounds and uses recycled cardboard and newspapers to form the structure. This Swiss-based inventor has taken recycled paper and created very strong honeycomb walls. The end result is a building material that is surprisingly strong and durable. Originally, the concept conceived as being a solution for the homeless, those living in shantytowns and refugee camps.
It is this idea of bringing ultra-affordable housing, made from recycled materials, to the poorest people in the world that is driving Niemoeller’s concept. Currently, the idea is being to catch on and Nigeria has already placed an order for 2,400 units. While the concept may have been developed for the developing countries and the homeless, the ideas behind it are rich in possibilities. The Wall Paper House points the way in terms of what is possible for tiny houses and for rebooting our concept of what housing is in general. By taking something as simple as recycled paper and using technology to create a strong building materials, Niemoeller is pointing the way as to what is achievable if only the will is present.
The Wall Paper House has a lot going for it. The fact that its lightweight means it can be easily transported around the world. Niemoeller and his company Wall are already looking into plans to export the building know-how and materials to countries that have expressed interest. Further, its low-cost could open up options for those that currently have little or no access to proper housing. A third aspect of The Wall Paper House that is making people sit up and take notice is that the structure is very sturdy, water resistant and even earthquake proof. The $5,000 price tag even includes a bathroom.
While The Wall Paper House may not be the most luxurious home many have ever seen, its potential for a positive impact is quite large. Inventor Niemoeller and all involved should be commended for their efforts.
An excellent idea, very creative and clever!
How can I get a papercrete panel (wall) standard? Thanks.