A groundbreaking initiative could revolutionise how communities recover from disasters by providing quicker access to high-quality temporary homes that are both sustainable and cost-effective.

This bio-based housing system, designed in a collaboration between researchers, government agencies and industry partners, incorporates waste cardboard and locally sourced, underutilised timber to create innovative structural panels.

The project, led by Southern Cross University in partnership with the University of Queensland and the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, addresses a pressing need for disaster-affected communities. It comes at a crucial time for regions like the Northern Rivers, still reeling from the devastating floods of 2022. A prototype of the system will be showcased at Southern Cross University from 3 December, offering a tangible glimpse into how resource-efficient housing could redefine disaster recovery.

Southern Cross University professor Andrew Rose highlights the significance of the project for areas prone to natural disasters. “We’re still trying to recover as a community from the 2022 floods,” Rose says. “One of the biggest challenges during that time was the lack of adequate housing and shelter options. This bio-based housing solution provides a low-cost, high-quality alternative that’s perfect for regions like ours. It ties seamlessly into the principles of a circular economy.”

The innovative housing system is not just about addressing immediate shelter needs. By repurposing waste materials and embracing sustainable practices, the initiative also aims to reduce the environmental impact of construction.

Advanced materials boost sustainability and performance

The core of this new housing solution is its innovative timber-cardboard sandwich panels. The panels, developed with significant contributions from the University of Queensland (UQ), represent a new class of structural composite materials. UQ associate professor Joe Gattas explains how these panels work and why they are a game-changer. “In the current design system, we use recycled or waste cardboard bonded to plywood skins to create the structural components,” he says. “The resulting composite outperforms standard foam core insulated panels by approximately 30 percent in terms of structural strength for the same panel density.” 

This increased performance opens up new possibilities for creating safe and durable, temporary housing able to withstand the rigours of post-disaster environments.

The project has received seed funding from the NSW Decarbonisation Hub’s Land and Primary Industries Network, which allowed the research team to develop a full-scale prototype. The completed prototype includes detailing features that ensure it is weatherproof and comfortable for occupants, addressing key concerns about temporary housing in disaster-hit areas.

Collaboration has been at the heart of the initiative. In addition to academic institutions, the project brings together eight industry partners, including Hurford’s, Big River, Forestry Corporation, Weathertex, Australian Panels, Visy, Jowat and Ausco Modular. These organisations have contributed expertise and resources to ensure the system is not only innovative but also scalable and practical for real-world application.

A vision for sustainable recovery

The unveiling of the prototype marks a significant step forward in addressing the complex challenges of post-disaster recovery. With an emphasis on sustainability and efficiency, this housing solution offers a compelling alternative to traditional temporary shelters, which often fall short in durability and environmental impact.

For disaster-prone regions, the potential benefits are huge. The system’s reliance on local materials reduces the need for expensive transportation logistics and supports regional economies. Its innovative design shows how waste materials can be transformed into high-performing building components, setting a new benchmark for sustainable construction.

As disasters become more frequent and severe due to climate change, initiatives like this one offer hope for a future where recovery is faster, more sustainable and inclusive of cutting-edge innovations. This prototype is a testament to the power of collaboration and ingenuity in tackling some of society’s most pressing challenges.

Photography by UQ

Read more stories on sustainable innovation.