Innovative Cardboard House Designs by Chongqing University Students
Cardboard is often viewed as a disposable or packaging material, but a group of innovative students has transformed it into something extraordinary: houses. Ingenia TEK shared stunning images of these cardboard houses, built by 19 teams of university and college students. This unique event, organized by the University of Chongqing in China, showcases the potential of cardboard as a sustainable, functional building material, pushing the boundaries of design and creativity in architecture.
The students’ work demonstrates that cardboard, a material often considered weak or impermanent, can be repurposed into durable, environmentally friendly structures. Each team approached the challenge with their own innovative solutions, considering factors such as structural integrity, insulation, and aesthetics. The event promotes not only architectural ingenuity but also highlights the potential for sustainable building practices, a critical topic in today’s construction industry.
By combining engineering principles with creative design, these students have taken a humble material and turned it into something both practical and inspirational. The cardboard houses reflect a growing interest in eco-friendly architecture, encouraging future architects and builders to think beyond conventional materials and explore more sustainable, cost-effective alternatives.
1.Open Sphere
The Open Sphere structure consists of interlocking hexagonal and pentagonal shapes, creating a dome-like form. The cardboard pieces are cut and folded into angular, geometric sections, which are assembled in a pattern that provides both structural integrity and visual complexity. The use of repeated modular units creates a dynamic, honeycomb-like texture. This construction technique emphasizes symmetry and uniformity while showcasing the flexibility of cardboard as a material for creating large, three-dimensional forms.
2.Pyramidal Shelters
The Pyramidal Shelters structure features a series of triangular grid-like units arranged in a pyramid form. The cardboard is cut into uniform pieces, creating a repeated crisscross pattern, which gives the structure its stability and intricate design. This technique emphasizes both geometric precision and modular repetition, allowing the pyramid to maintain its shape while also showcasing the lightweight yet durable nature of cardboard. The design plays with symmetry and volume, making the structure visually striking and structurally sound.
3.Open Mouth Shelter
The Open Mouth Shelter features a series of repeating angular structures, forming a tunnel-like design. The triangular and rectangular forms interlock to create enclosed, sheltered spaces. The bold, geometric cuts of the cardboard emphasize sharp angles, creating a distinctive “open mouth” appearance at each entrance. The use of large, flat panels for the construction maintains simplicity while providing ample room for interaction and functionality within the shelter. This design efficiently uses minimal material while achieving a strong architectural statement.
4.Series of Domes
The Series of Domes structure merges circular and angular elements to create an interconnected shelter. The design uses overlapping curved panels to form a fluid, organic dome shape, supported by sharp, triangular accents. The layering technique gives the illusion of movement, while the geometric cutouts in the walls and roof allow light to filter through, enhancing the spatial experience. This innovative cardboard creation combines both shelter and social space, making it as visually intricate as it is functional, perfect for collaborative gatherings.
5.Shelter with a Vault
The Shelter with a Vault features a dramatic use of curved and circular shapes, creating a tunnel-like interior. The large, semi-circular cutouts in the walls add depth and complexity, giving the space an organic, flowing feel. The repeated arches overhead mimic the shape of a traditional vaulted ceiling, while the precise, sharp edges of the cardboard offer a contrast between softness and rigidity. This design evokes a sense of movement and exploration, guiding the viewer through its layered, architectural tunnel.
Read Also : Cardboard: A Sustainable and Innovative Material in Architecture
6.The CutSlabs Shelter
The CutSlabs Shelter is characterized by its dynamic and layered design, featuring repeated horizontal cardboard slabs that create a twisting, angular structure. Each slab is precisely cut to form a three-dimensional passageway that plays with both light and shadow. The alternating angles give a sense of movement, as though the shelter is unfolding in space. The geometric openings and shifts between the slabs invite interaction, drawing visitors into the structure, while offering an intriguing visual depth from every angle.
Other Houses design
Pushing Boundaries with Cardboard Architecture
Cardboard houses are not just experimental projects ,they represent a shift in how we perceive materials in architecture. The University of Chongqing project shows that with the right design, even materials with perceived limitations can be adapted for real-world applications. As we face environmental challenges and the need for more sustainable solutions, these student-designed houses point to an exciting future for green architecture.
