upcycling product design
This is an open-source initiative transforming aluminium cans into roof tiles. The system consists of 3 steps. First, by using a specialized tool "Can Slicer", smoothly cut out and flattened the can into an aluminum sheet in less than 30 seconds. Next, the sheet is fed into a compact paper craft die-cutter; the machine presses the aluminum sheet onto a customized die to stamp into a uniform shape with folding lines embedded, then folded into a roof tile. The folding edges interlocking with the next tile not only keeps it in place but also prevents rain from seeping in from underneath in windy conditions.
The integrated system allows lightweight, rust-proof, and long-lasting roof tiles to be produced anywhere aluminium cans can be collected. It bypasses heavy industrial shipping emissions, providing an immediate, low-cost roofing solution for rural and sustainable communities. Together with video guidance and open-sourced blueprints, it allows passionate makers to set up community-involved production anywhere in the world.
The development began during my time in a Portuguese sustainable community “Project KAMP”, where we experiment to live and build in the most sustainable way. Low-carbon footprint material for roofing has always been a struggle. Yet, aluminium cans are abundant and weatherproof, making them a perfect roofing material. However, cutting and flattening them in volume is a challenge, and there weren’t any tools in the market that could help, which led to the development of “Can Slicer”, together with a custom die-cut mold that fits into market-available paper craft die-cutter.
Step-by-step videos and open-sourced blueprints can be found inside the research module:
https://community.projectkamp.com/research/can-we-make-a-roof-from-recycled-aluminium-cans