The first town in Japan to make a “zero-waste” pledge, Kamikatsu in Tokushima Prefecture commissioned a Zero Waste Center in 2016 to assist residents in sorting their waste into 45 categories. Designed by Hiroshi Nakamura & NAP Architects, the center opened in 2020, incorporating donated items such as farming tools, old windows, and imperfect tiles.
Creative Upcycling in Architecture
Featured on Netflix’s “Amazing Interiors” in 2018, the Smithey Container Home is located in Missouri, US. Zack Smithey states that around 90% of materials used are upcycled, with the main structure consisting of eight shipping containers.Using three shipping containers for its structure, the Infiniski Manifesto House — located in Curacaví, Chile, and completed in 2009 — features 85% recycled materials. Architect Jaime Gaztelu integrated energy-saving technologies, reducing energy consumption by 70% through renewable water and space heating.David Hertz Architects designed this house in Malibu, California, by repurposing the wing and tail fin of a decommissioned Boeing 747. This innovative building has won multiple awards and was featured on Netflix’s hit series “The World’s Most Extraordinary Homes” in 2017.Hand built by Édouard T. Arsenault in the 1980s, The Bottle Houses are located on Prince Edward Island, Canada. This project utilized over 25,000 bottles and took three years to complete, transforming a hobby into a public attraction.Located in Mumbai, India, Collage House was constructed in 2015 by S+PS Architects. Its facade consists of repurposed windows and doors from demolished buildings, maximizing natural light infiltration.
Architectural Wonders Around the Globe
Donald “Cano” Espinoza constructed Cano’s Castle using a multitude of recycled scrap metals. This incredible structure, primarily built with aluminum beer cans, also incorporates hubcaps and screen doors.Nestled in the forests of the Campos Novos Paulista region in southern Brazil, this elevated house was designed in 2019 to minimize environmental impact. Around 80% of its materials are repurposed, mainly using shipping containers and recycled wood.In Melbourne, Australia, Phooey Architects transformed four shipping containers into a Children’s Activity Center in 2007, creating a zero-waste playground space using entirely salvaged or reused materials.This temple in Sisaket, Thailand, was conceived by Buddhist monks in 1984. Over a million glass bottles were used in its construction, with intricate patterns of bottle caps adorning the interior.Taking just four days to construct, Carroll House is a New York City residence designed by LOT-EK. Built in 2016, it features 21 stacked shipping containers cut diagonally from top to bottom.
