Circular economy showcase

House Shadow has been built from recycled and re-used materials and is part of the Tiny Homes research project. Kuittinen hopes that his research will show how single-family housing can be made as low-emission and resource-efficient as possible. House Shadow is a tiny house that represents minimalism on three fronts: use of natural resources, lifestyle and architecture. 

Best building materials have already been made

Kuittinen has long thought about how to minimize the environmental impacts of construction. He thinks that the best building material is that which has already been made.

“The raw materials used to build the planet are dwindling. At the same time, we need to reduce emissions from the built environment by 80–90% and to build nearly 2 billion new homes before the end of the century. These needs are not compatible, which is why radically different housing and construction solutions should be considered,” Kuittinen points out.

According to Kuittinen, minimalism means carefully considered use of materials and the least possible consumption. This approach is reflected in each detail in the House Shadow, which has been designed to use minimum space, energy and materials. It is both mobile and modifiable, and its minimalist structure challenges traditional ways of building and especially of living. 

Virtually emission-free, scrap-based steel

SSAB Zero™ had a key role in the sustainable solutions in House Shadow. This innovative steel has been made completely from recycled raw materials with virtually zero fossil carbon dioxide emissions. The SSAB Zero™ steelmaking process has been designed to significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions and the company is committed to full transparency in all matters related to carbon dioxide emissions. 

The carbon footprint of the steel supplied by SSAB has been verified by a third party. Since steel is the largest contributor to customers' carbon footprint, full transparency in steel CO₂ emissions is essential.

“This is the first time that virtually fossil carbon emission-free steel has been used in load-bearing structures and part of the façade. This new way of making steel will be significant in reducing emissions. Steel is a good material otherwise for a building designed to be moved and completely prefabricated, as it provides both lightness and durability,” Kuittinen notes.

Circular economy benefits

Using the circular economy in the construction sector significantly reduces the environmental impact of construction projects. House Shadow shows that recycled and reused materials can be used flexibly and innovatively. This creates new opportunities for more sustainable and ecological construction that takes into account both environmental and economic aspects.

Kuittinen believes that his pilot project will trigger a trend that that will lead to more eco-friendly and sustainable forms of housing. Kuittinen also hopes that House Shadow will also encourage discussion and inspire other construction projects.

Kuittinen believes that the transition to a circular economy will provide significant opportunities for innovative and adaptable companies.

Practical implementation will virtually zero-emission steel

Matti Kuittinen's vision and SSAB's innovative solutions for fossil-free steelmaking are examples of how the construction industry can transition towards carbon neutrality and the circular economy.

House Shadow and SSAB Zero™ represent construction of the future. This project shows that the circular economy and innovative materials such as SSAB Zero™ can work together in creating sustainable and eco-friendly architecture.  

“We need to develop new ways of living safely and healthily in order to reach these goals. A tiny house could be one solution,” Kuittinen sums up. 

House Shadow generated attention at the New European Bauhaus Festival in Brussels

House Shadow, an innovative Tiny Home, was presented at the New European Bauhaus Festival in Brussels in spring 2024 as part of the Aalto University’s exhibition. This house is an excellent example of the application of circular economy principles in contemporary construction and received considerable attention from the distinguished public. House Shadow was the first exhibit a VIP delegation headed by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Belgian Prime Minister visited at the fair. The week saw a significant number of interested designers, artists, researchers and construction professionals visit the stand.

Building a tiny house is captured in a series of photographs. These images showcase the steps of the process by Aulis Lundell and the creativity that brings this tiny house, embracing the principles of a circular economy, to life. It benefits from SSAB Zero™ in the frame construction and parts of the façade, along with numerous other recycled solutions.

More customers on SSAB Zero™

Other customers are also using SSAB Zero™. Read more on why and how.

The next generation of recycled steel

We are taking the next step towards a more sustainable future.