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Collection by Erika Heet

Upcycling Cubicles into Modern Temporary Housing

Carole Nicholson of Allsteel will join us at Dwell on Design Los Angeles to discuss her innovative ReFRAME recycling initiative.

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The ReFRAME structure is made up of modular expandable walls repurposed from cubicle frames and covered in clear and white panels with cutouts.
The ReFRAME structure is made up of modular expandable walls repurposed from cubicle frames and covered in clear and white panels with cutouts.
The building's mechanical systems, which include a solar inverter and a rain harvesting system, are tucked away on one side.
The building's mechanical systems, which include a solar inverter and a rain harvesting system, are tucked away on one side.
Atop the 4,000-pound structure is a butterfly roof made from galvanized steel and recycled framing, and fitted with solar panels.
Atop the 4,000-pound structure is a butterfly roof made from galvanized steel and recycled framing, and fitted with solar panels.
The buildings are designed to eventually house a shower, sleeping quarters, and a community space, and shelter two people comfortably. "I remember watching TV after Katrina, and everyone was so exposed," says Nicholson. "Creating privacy and community with these temporary structures would be simple and easy to deploy. We could put these all over the world."
The buildings are designed to eventually house a shower, sleeping quarters, and a community space, and shelter two people comfortably. "I remember watching TV after Katrina, and everyone was so exposed," says Nicholson. "Creating privacy and community with these temporary structures would be simple and easy to deploy. We could put these all over the world."