# Artistic Plastic Igloos The PolyShell is an Igloo Constructed Out of Recycled Plastic By Mishal Omar | Published 2016-05-16 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plastic-igloo References: [behance.net](https://www.behance.net/gallery/28300275/PolyShell) & [yankodesign](http://www.yankodesign.com/2016/05/13/the-most-beautiful-igloo-ever/) The plastic igloo structure PolyShell, created by engineer Søren Jensen, is a [large curved shelter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/allspace-1) that is constructed to prove the functionality of thin materials for building. Through attempting to research how extremely thin materials with barely any stiffness could be used to construct [large enclosing structures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/curly-cube), the designer created this plastic igloo. Using digital technology that has made many feats of engineering and architecture easier to accomplish, the PolyShell is a large white structure, which has a surface that looks like a compound eye. The plastic igloo is also environmentally friendly as it is made from 100% [recycled polypropylene sheets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/know-new-plastic). The PolyShell igloo could have important implications for the purposes of building homes and other structures with repurposed and limited materials. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.5/10 - Popularity: 77% | Activity: 79% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) > [Eco Architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/ecoarchitecture) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Recycled Plastic Buildings:** The PolyShell igloo demonstrates the potential for creating repurposed and environmentally friendly structures using recycled materials. - **Digital Fabrication:** The use of digital technology in creating the PolyShell igloo demonstrates the potential for easier engineering and architecture feats in construction. - **Thin Material Construction:** The creation of the PolyShell igloo shows the potential for constructing large enclosing structures using extremely thin materials with minimal stiffness. ### Where This Applies - **Construction Material Manufacturing:** There is opportunity for creation of new manufacturing methods for recycled plastic sheet materials, and new business models for their use in constructing environmentally-conscious buildings. - **Architecture:** Architects may explore the potential for using thin materials to create large structures with minimal environmental impact, and develop new cost-effective building methodologies. - **Sustainability Consulting:** There is opportunity in providing consulting services to companies interested in exploring environmentally responsible building materials and methodologies, including the use of recycled plastics and thin construction materials. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Textile Igloo Bedrooms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/takk.md) - [Recycled Plastic Tiny Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/recycled-plastic-tiny-home.md) - [Upcycled Building Blocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plaex-building-systems-inc.md) - [Recycled Plastic Decor Products](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plastplan-design-studio.md) - [Inflated Design Classroom Spaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/intermittent-dome.md) - [Experimental Shelter Tents](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/grayhus.md) - [Bioplastic-Made Home Interiors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/white-utopia.md) - [Inflatable Modular Greenhouses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/havn.md) - [Inflatable House-Shaped Tents](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/air-architecture-inflatable-tent.md)