PaperBricks is a material innovation project developed by designer Woojai Lee that explores new approaches to paper recycling and material longevity. Created from recycled newspapers, the material transforms paper waste into durable, brick-like building blocks that offer a longer-lasting alternative to conventional paper recycling processes, where fibres degrade in quality with each cycle.
The production process involves pulping discarded newspapers, combining the fibres with adhesive binders, and moulding the mixture into structurally robust bricks. The resulting material features a distinctive marbled appearance and a soft, textile-like surface texture that reflects its paper origins. Despite its tactile qualities, PaperBricks are strong and versatile, capable of being cut, drilled, glued, and assembled similarly to wood.
PaperBricks is a material innovation project developed by designer Woojai Lee that explores new approaches to paper recycling and material longevity. Created from recycled newspapers, the material transforms paper waste into durable, brick-like building blocks that offer a longer-lasting alternative to conventional paper recycling processes, where fibres degrade in quality with each cycle.
The production process involves pulping discarded newspapers, combining the fibres with adhesive binders, and moulding the mixture into structurally robust bricks. The resulting material features a distinctive marbled appearance and a soft, textile-like surface texture that reflects its paper origins. Despite its tactile qualities, PaperBricks are strong and versatile, capable of being cut, drilled, glued, and assembled similarly to wood.
Designed to maximise strength while minimising material use and deformation, the modular bricks can be joined through integrated openings to create larger structures. To demonstrate their potential, Lee developed a series of furniture pieces, including benches and tables, showcasing how recycled paper can be repurposed into functional and durable design applications. The project highlights the potential of waste paper as a valuable resource within circular material systems, extending its lifecycle beyond conventional recycling pathways.
Contact
Instagram: @woojai
Email: info@woojai.com
Website: https://woojai.com/
