Paperhouses was created so that users around the world could access architecture on their own terms.

Democratizing Architecture.

Paperhouses is an open-source platform that allows the public to access architectural design for free. The site offers free, downloadable blueprints of residential architecture for individuals to look over. These blueprints can be used as a reference in an individual’s own building project, or could be shown to builders in order to better understand how a project should be created. The site was created in order to break down the barriers that make architecture a closed industry, understandable only by those that are professionals in the industry. Paperhouses believes that individuals should have a creative voice in the design and construction of their own homes, and the first step to making architecture more accessible is by making these blueprints available for free online.

Free Blueprints from Well-Respected Architects.

Paperhouses features high quality designs from prominent architects. Companies and designers include Carl Turner Architects, Christ Christ associated architects, Christian Pottgiesser, Dekleva Gregoric Arhitekti, Dellekamp Arquitectos, EMBT, Florian Bush Architects, Jun Igaarashi, Panorama Arquitectos, SBPR Angelo Bucci, Spora Architects, and Tatiana Bilbao S.C. As you can probably tell from that list, the architects come from various countries and backgrounds. This means that there is a highly diverse group of designs available via the site. Registration for Paperhouse is free, and once you’re logged in you have complete access to the open source architecture. Paperhouse also includes a list of contractors in your area as well as access to the site’s catalog. For anyone that’s interested in architecture (both from within the industry or from the outside), Paperhouse is a great site to browse. It’s innovative concept is making architectural design more democratic.