Typically, a house is constructed from materials like wood, cement, bricks, and stone. However, it is quite unusual to find a house made entirely of paper in a state like Massachusetts. While paper is a commonly used material in daily life, few would consider it for construction.
The Unique 99% Paper House
In 1922, a man discovered a method to transform paper into a building material strong enough to support a house, including its furniture.
The paper house in Rockport, Massachusetts, was entirely constructed from paper. The walls, furniture, and shelves within the house are all made from this unique material. After nearly 100 years, the structure remains remarkably intact.
This innovative house was built by Eilis F. Stenmen, a mechanical engineer. His job involved managing paper pressing machines. Stenmen’s descendants noted that he was always curious and enjoyed exploring and experimenting with inexpensive building materials that had good insulation properties.
With many years of experience, Stenmen had a deep understanding of paper, which inspired him to embark on the construction of this one-of-a-kind house.
The house made of paper. (Photo: Internet).
Initially, he built the house using traditional methods with a wooden frame and stone floors. Then, he came up with the idea of constructing the walls from paper.
The primary material used for the house was newspaper. Eilis F. Stenmen utilized about 100,000 used newspapers. The walls were created with approximately 215 layers of paper glued together. The furniture in the house was made in a similar fashion.
At first, the homeowner was concerned that the walls might not be sturdy enough, so he planned to add an outer layer of wood. However, after the first winter passed, the paper layers remained strong and intact, so he did not reinforce them. After two years, the skilled homeowner completed the house and continued to add details over the next 20 years. Today, when visitors tour the house, they can still read snippets from newspapers dated 1922.
Stenman crafted chairs, tables, bookshelves, and even curtains and clocks from the pages of newspapers and magazines. The only wooden item was the piano, which was covered in paper to maintain consistency. The fireplace, however, was uniquely made of brick.
Standing Strong After 100 Years
Many people wonder how the homeowner managed to build a structure from sheets of paper. The truth is, to hold the newspapers together, Stenmen concocted a homemade glue made from flour, water, and apple peels. Even today, although the wall’s outer layers may peel, the adhesive remains intact.
After 100 years, the top layers of the walls are beginning to peel away, exposing fragments of past newspapers and advertisements that visitors find delightful to read. On the writing desk, you can discover reports about Charles Lindbergh’s transatlantic flight, while the radio cabinet is filled with news from Herbert Hoover’s presidential campaign.
Remarkably, the paper house has survived harsh winters in New England and severe storms.
Meticulously crafted details. (Photo: Internet).
The piano features reports from newspapers about Admiral Byrd’s explorations to the North and South Poles. Over time, many walls will peel away, revealing old newsstands.
By the 1930s, the house had become such a famous attraction that the homeowner and his wife had to move to another house in the same neighborhood. After Stenmen passed away in 1942, the paper house became a museum for tourists. After 100 years, the house remains well-preserved and is carefully maintained by Stenmen’s descendants.
