Dezeen Magazine

Chameleon Cabin made from paper changes colour when viewed from either side

This corrugated paper cabin designed by architect Mattias Lind is printed to resemble black marble on one side of the folds and white marble on the other so it looks different from either side (+ slideshow).

Chameleon Cabin made from paper changes colour when viewed from either side

Mattias Lind of Swedish firm White Arkitekter developed the Chameleon Cabin in collaboration with branding agency Happy F + B to demonstrate the capabilities of local printing firm Göteborgstryckeriet.

Chameleon Cabin made from paper changes<br /> colour when viewed from either side

As well as the folded elevations, the two gable ends are also printed in corresponding shades so that the entire building looks black or white depending on which side it's viewed from. A bright yellow interior provides a contrasting warmth that also covers the window reveals.

Chameleon Cabin made from paper changes<br /> colour when viewed from either side

The proportions of the building are based on the Swedish friggebod, a small shed that can be erected without planning permission.

Chameleon Cabin made from paper changes<br /> colour when viewed from either side

The corrugated folds of the modules that form the walls and gabled roofline create a stable structure and are fitted together using a simple system of tabs and slots.

Chameleon Cabin made from paper changes<br /> colour when viewed from either side

A total of 95 modules were needed to assemble the building, which weighs approximately 100 kilograms and has a floor space of around seven square metres. The modular construction system could be used to produce buildings of any length.

Chameleon Cabin made from paper changes<br /> colour when viewed from either side

The entire structure is made from MiniWell, a two-millimetre-thick corrugated paper produced by Swedish company EuroWell. It is pictured here at Tjolöholms Castle in Sweden and is being presented as a promotional display at packaging trade shows.

Chameleon Cabin made from paper changes<br /> colour when viewed from either side

Photography is by Rasmus Norlander.

Chameleon Cabin made from paper changes<br /> colour when viewed from either side
Components used to build the cabin
Chameleon Cabin made from paper changes<br /> colour when viewed from either side
Components used to build the cabin