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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...