What if the plastic bottle you tossed yesterday became part of someone’s home tomorrow? In Saint-Rémi-d’Amherst, Que., that idea has taken shape in a 100 m² (1,078 sf), two-bedroom home built with structural panels made from the equivalent of approximately 200,000 recycled plastic bottles. The structural shell took just three days to assemble on-site.

Québec-based cleantech company PakVille developed the building system, called PakVert, to combine structure, insulation, and finishing in lightweight, prefabricated panels. Builders can use the panels for walls, floors, and roofs. PakVille says the panels can replace multiple conventional building components.

PakVert was developed by Canadian entrepreneur and professional engineer Parinaz Pakniat. She says it aims to address two of the housing sector’s biggest challenges: construction costs and labour shortages.

PakVille estimates its system can cut construction costs by approximately 35 per cent compared with conventional methods, depending on the project scope.

“People want homes they can afford, without compromising quality or comfort,” said Pakniat, founder and CEO of PakVille. “We developed PakVert to make construction faster, simpler, and more affordable. The fact that we’re also giving plastic waste a second life makes it even more meaningful.”

Reduced environmental impact

The technology also aims to reduce the environmental impact of home construction.

PakVert panels feature a core made from 100 per cent recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The panels resist moisture, mould, rot, and pests. PakVille says its homes can last at least twice as long as conventional homes.

For Daniel Massé, owner of the home in Saint-Rémi-d’Amherst, the technology’s energy efficiency and construction speed stand out. “When it comes to energy efficiency and speed of construction, it’s a product that I would recommend to anyone,” Massé said.