The Glass House estate in New Canaan, Conn., known for its iconic architecture, has added a new and unexpected structure to its grounds – a Paper House. Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Shigeru Ban, the Paper Log House is a simple, low-cost structure that was originally created to house victims of the Great Hanshin Earthquake in Kobe, Japan.
This unique exhibition, opening this week and running through Dec. 15, is part of the 75th-anniversary celebrations of the Glass House, which was completed by architect Philip Johnson in 1949. The Paper House, a one-room structure made mostly of paper, showcases the resilience and innovative design of Ban’s work.
Constructed by Cooper Union students, the Paper Log House features vertical paper tubes held together with foam tape and threaded rods, with a roof made from more paper tubes fastened with plywood connectors. Ban’s fascination with the strength and versatility of paper tubes has led him to design various structures around the world, including homes, bridges, churches, and exhibition pavilions.
The idea for the Paper House at the Glass House estate came about during a tour last fall, when Ban’s partner Dean Maltz suggested the addition of a paper structure to complement the existing Glass House and Brick House. The project proved to be a challenge for the students involved, requiring advanced technology and tools to complete.
As visitors explore the Paper House exhibition, they are invited to consider the possibilities of living small and sustainably. The addition of this innovative structure to the historic estate pays homage to both the legacy of Philip Johnson and the ongoing commitment to architectural innovation and creativity.
