Property owners with an eye towards environmentalism are trying to incorporate green living ideas into their homes but purchasing recycled materials, using self composting toilets, buying the right kind of light bulbs and other similar measures. But to really embrace green, some people are trying to find alternative building materials and save a forest or two. Some innovative architects from Australia have found a way to turn cardboard into the perfect housing material.

The Cardboard House is the brainchild of Peter Stutchbury and Richard Smith working in association with the Ian Buchan Fell Housing Research Unit at University of Sydney. Originally the home was constructed as a temporary housing alternative and once the temporary need is over all of the building materials can be recycled. In fact the home is easily portable and can be moved from one location of necessity to another.

In the past a cardboard home would never have been possible as anyone who has seen wet cardboard can attest, but new techniques in bonding and cutting has given it structural integrity that it never had in the past. To add to the water fastness of the Cardboard House is a waterproof roof made of HDPE plastic, which also supports water tanks and bathroom pods.

If you’re a do it yourself fan, this might be a great project for you as its meant to be a kit and can supposedly be constructed by two people in about six hours with the right tools.