This season, The Glass House commemorates its 75th Anniversary and the ongoing restoration of the Brick House with the opening of Shigeru Ban: The Paper Log House.

In a noteworthy collaboration, The Glass House, Shigeru Ban Architects (SBA), and The Irwin S. Chanin School of Architecture at The Cooper Union proudly unveil the successful construction of Shigeru Ban: The Paper Log House at The Glass House. The project saw students from The Cooper Union actively participating in building the structure as part of their Building Technology course. This innovative joint effort will be showcased from April 15th to December 15th, 2024, delighting the over 13,000 visitors who annually explore The Glass House's grounds.

Front view of the Paper Log House
Image Credit: Photo by Michael Biondo

With efforts led by the New York office of Pritzker Prize-winning architect Shigeru Ban, the construction of the Paper Log House involved guiding of 39 architecture students. This unique structure, measuring 13.5 feet by 13.5 feet, is crafted from paper tubes, wood, and milk crates. Dean Maltz, who serves as the Managing Partner for SBA’s projects in America, shares a unique connection with Shigeru Ban, having graduated from The Cooper Union alongside him. With a firsthand understanding of Ban's foundational ideas and seminal works, Maltz played a central role in steering the development of this collaboration alongside the rest of the team.

Students slot preassembled sections of paper tube walls into crenelated base panels along the perimeter of the floor.
Image Credit: Video still by Hudson Lines

In February 2024, construction of the Paper Log House began at The Cooper Union in Manhattan, where its components were crafted over five weeks before being transported to the site in New Canaan. Despite harsh weather conditions on March 18th and 19th, 2024, a team of 17 students, faculty, and SBA staff successfully erected the structure within a tight timeframe of fifteen hours across two days.

Architecture students install the Paper Log House’sroof structure, which is composed of paper tubes and plywood joints.
Image Credit: Video still by Hudson Lines

Renowned for his innovative approach to architecture, education, and humanitarian efforts, Shigeru Ban (born 1957) crafted the concept of the Paper Log House in 1995 to provide shelter for former Vietnamese refugees displaced by the Great Hanshin Earthquake in Kobe, Japan. Emphasizing affordability and simplicity in construction, Ban ingeniously employed paper tubes as the primary material for the house, chosen for their accessibility, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability on a global scale.

Image Credit: Official portrait © Shigeru Ban Architects

Driven by his commitment to minimizing waste, Ban embarked on his pioneering experiments with paper tubes in 1985, subsequently revolutionizing their use in construction through various installations, buildings, and disaster relief initiatives. Notable among these projects is the iconic Cardboard Cathedral, towering at 79 feet, which emerged from Ban's humanitarian endeavors in 2013, ultimately becoming a cherished fixture within its community.

The showcasing of Shigeru Ban: The Paper Log House at The Glass House presents a compelling opportunity to contemplate the enduring nature of architecture, highlighting the unforeseen possibilities offered by disparate building materials such as glass, brick, and paper. Ban's poignant observation, "If a building is loved, it becomes permanent," underscores the profound impact of human connection and appreciation on the longevity of architectural creations.

Image Credit: Courtesy of Shigeru Ban Architects and Voluntary Architects' Network

"We're absolutely delighted to showcase the remarkable work of Shigeru Ban Architects right here at The Glass House as we mark our 75th anniversary. As we look back to 1949 when the Glass House and Brick House first graced this landscape, Philip Johnson was just embarking on a journey that would see this campus evolve into a dynamic hub of architectural ingenuity, pushing boundaries in design and materials for over five decades. With the introduction of the Paper Log House, we see this tradition of daring experimentation and forward-thinking innovation persisting. Ban's creative vision is now directed toward addressing pressing social issues using recyclable and readily available materials, embodying the essence of our ethos." Said Kirsten Reoch, the Executive Director at The Glass House.

View of Shigeru Ban’s Paper LogHouse in proximity to the iconic Glass House
Image Credit: Photo by Michael Biondo

The Glass House invites visitors to rethink traditional views on permanence and materiality in architecture. By juxtaposing the enduring qualities of glass and brick with the adaptability of paper and cardboard structures, Ban prompts reflection on the value of historic preservation and innovation. In the fast-paced mass migration, his designs offer a straightforward yet impactful solution for providing urgent shelter to displaced populations. Through this partnership, Ban demonstrates the transformative potential of architecture in addressing pressing social challenges and fostering resilient communities.

The Paper Log House is available for visitors to explore and appreciate, offering a tangible manifestation of Shigeru Ban's vision for sustainable and inclusive architecture.

Project Facts:
Site: 25 Ft. x 25 Ft Compacted Gravel
Area: 185 Sq. Ft. (~17 Sq mt)
Size: Plan - 13’6” x 13’-6”
Height – 11’-7”
Materials: 39 Milk Crates, 156 Paper Tubes, Plywood, Roof Membrane
Team: Shigeru Ban Architects (SBA), Shigeru Ban, VAN - Voluntary Architects Network, The Glass House, The National Trust For Historic Preservation.

Top Image: Photography by  Michael Biondo.

> via The Glass House

Shigeru Ban