What is the WOHN Project?
WOHN is shaking up the way we think about urban living and housing. At its core, it’s about embracing urbanization as a force for sustainable growth and equality. But here’s the catch: cities are struggling to keep up with the skyrocketing demand for affordable, eco-friendly homes as more people move in every day. So, WOHN reimagines homes—not just how they’re built, but how we live in and manage them. Think of it as “homes as a service,” adaptable and available on demand. The real game-changer? WOHN 3D prints tiny homes using upcycled waste plastic and wood, slashing the CO2 footprint by over 90% and turning 4 tonnes of waste into a cozy 20 m² living space. It’s urban living, but smarter.
Main Benefits of WOHN Homes
WOHN’s approach isn’t just innovative—it’s packed with impressive numbers that show real impact:
- 4 tonnes of waste material recycled per 20 m² home
- Over 90% reduction in CO2 footprint compared to traditional concrete and wood homes
- Homes sized at 20 & 40 m², perfect for holiday or student living
- Rents priced at 30% below current market rates
- CO2 emissions below 5 kg CO2e/m²
- 200,000 people moving to cities daily, highlighting the urgent need for solutions like WOHN
Rethinking How Homes Are Built
WOHN flips the script on traditional construction. Instead of relying on fresh materials, it champions circular thinking—upcycling waste plastic and wood that would otherwise clutter landfills. This isn’t just recycling; it’s transforming waste into something valuable and livable. Plus, 3D printing technology means homes can be built faster, smarter, and with way less environmental impact. It’s a fresh take on building that’s as sustainable as it is scalable.
Living Smarter in Compact Spaces
Living in a tiny home doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort or sustainability. WOHN integrates tools and designs that promote self-sustainability right inside the home. Imagine having everything you need, designed to maximize space and minimize waste. It’s about making small spaces work harder for you, with flexibility and automation built into the management of the home. This means tenants and owners get a seamless, hassle-free experience—homes that adapt to life, not the other way around.
When Can You Experience WOHN?
Exciting times ahead! The first WOHN student homes are gearing up to hit campuses in Denmark, with construction expected to start within six months. That means tenants could be moving in by the end of 2025. For those dreaming of a holiday home, pre-orders are already rolling in, with deliveries starting early 2025. So whether it’s for study or leisure, WOHN is making affordable, sustainable living a reality sooner than you might think.
WOHN’s Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – creating affordable, eco-friendly urban housing
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – upcycling waste materials into homes
- SDG 13: Climate Action – drastically reducing CO2 emissions in construction
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – pioneering 3D printing in housing
- SDG 1: No Poverty – providing affordable housing options
Beyond Earth: Space Habitats
WOHN isn’t just about Earth-bound living. They’ve taken on a stellar challenge—partnering with Saga Space Architects to 3D print interiors and exterior facades for the FlexHab astronaut training habitat. This project is destined for the European Space Agency’s Astronaut Training Center in Cologne, Germany. It’s a perfect example of how WOHN’s innovative approach to tiny, sustainable homes can extend even to space exploration. Tiny homes for astronauts? Yep, that’s happening.
