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      Design and build a home using recycled materials

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can design and build a home using recycled materials.

      Key learning points

      1. Architects use specific shapes and structures to make homes stable.
      2. Different materials create interesting designs and creatively add detail and texture to a model home.
      3. Artists and designers use recycled materials in their work to be more sustainable.

      Keywords

      • 3D model - a shape or object that is not flat. It has height, width, and depth, so you can see all around it.

      • Recycled material - leftover or discarded materials that can be reused for creative purposes

      • Structures - something that is built and is made of different materials to stay strong

      Common misconception

      Any shape can make a strong building.

      Architects select specific shapes and structures to make homes stable.

      Teacher tip

      Pupils will need a range of recycled materials for this lesson. This lesson may run over two lessons to make time for creating their 3D model building.

      Equipment

      Glue, scissors, tape and recycled materials.

      Content guidance

      Risk assessment required - equipment

      Exploration of objects

      Supervision

      Adult supervision required

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      This drawing shows the texture of which material?

      An image in a quiz
      wood
      Correct answer: bamboo
      stone

      Q2.
      What does eco-friendly mean?

      something that is man-made.
      Correct answer: something that has little or no damaging effect on the environment.
      something that is easy to use.

      Q3.
      Which is a sketch?

      An image in a quiz
      An image in a quiz
      Correct Answer: An image in a quiz
      An image in a quiz

      Q4.
      What is charcoal?

      a soft, shiny material made from metal
      a type of colourful paint used for drawing
      Correct answer: a black, lightweight material made by burning wood

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      Match the structure type to its description:

      Correct Answer:Frame structure,uses a skeleton of materials

      uses a skeleton of materials

      Correct Answer:Solid structure,made from thick, materials

      made from thick, materials

      Correct Answer:Shell structure,uses curved or rounded shapes

      uses curved or rounded shapes

      Correct Answer:Load-bearing structure,rely on walls or pillars for support

      rely on walls or pillars for support

      Q2.
      What is a key benefit of using recycled materials in architecture?

      They are always cheaper.
      Correct answer: They reduce waste.
      They are more colourful.
      They are heavier.

      Q3.
      A is something built to support weight and create space.

      Correct Answer: structure

      Q4.
      Which of the following is an example of a sustainable feature?

      Plastic toys
      Correct answer: Solar panels
      Non-recyclable materials
      Concrete walls

      To help you plan your 2 art and design lesson on: Design and build a home using recycled materials, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...