Our Story

On Christmas Day in 2019, the first two Bambahús units were delivered to residents in Bolungarvík. Shortly thereafter, the houses found a permanent home at the local primary school, marking the beginning of a journey that has since demonstrated how waste materials can become valuable assets within a community.

Bambahús formally began operations in 2020 with a clear vision: to transform used IBC tanks (“bambas”) and surplus materials from the construction industry into durable, beautiful, and functional structures. This approach is known as upcycling — a process in which materials that would otherwise be discarded are given new purpose and increased value, benefiting both people and the environment.

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                                                         Where We Are Today

Bambahús has evolved from an experimental project into an efficient and repeatable production system based on upcycling, standardised design, and craftsmanship. Today, a well-defined production method is in place, enabling used IBC tanks to be transformed into long-lasting structures with predictable quality and minimal waste.

More than 300 Bambahús units have been installed across Iceland and are in active use. Around 30 preschools and primary schools currently use Bambahús for cultivation and education, representing approximately 12% of all preschools in the country.

Approximately one third of all units have been installed in connection with community projects, schools, and charitable initiatives, highlighting the strong social value of the solution alongside its environmental benefits.

Production is not limited to greenhouses alone, but also includes components, accessories, and related products made from the same base material. This approach maximises material use, reduces waste, and creates greater value from each individual tank.

Today, Reykjavík is the capital city with the highest number of greenhouses in public spaces per capita worldwide.
The municipality of Akranes has installed greenhouses at all of its preschools where conditions allow.

Alongside this growth, knowledge, workflows, and production models have been developed that are not tied to a single location. These enable the operation to be transferred, adapted to different conditions, and used to create jobs and value wherever the raw materials are available.

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                                                                What We Do

Bambahús designs and manufactures multi-purpose small-scale structures built on a steel frame. These structures can be used as greenhouses, learning spaces, bicycle storage, and community spaces. The units are modular, allowing them to be installed, relocated, and adapted to different needs and environments.

Production is based almost entirely on reused materials, primarily used IBC tanks and surplus materials from the construction industry. Through ongoing development, methods have been refined for insulation, assembly, and fastening that are suited to Icelandic weather conditions, resulting in structures that are durable, safe, and easy to maintain.

 

 

                                                    Our Vision for the Future

We believe that upcycling will play a key role in the future of the construction industry and in the development of sustainable communities.

In the coming years, we aim to:

• Strengthen the role of Bambahús in schools and community projects, with a focus on education, cultivation, and environmental awareness, and to build long-term partnerships with preschools and primary schools across the country.

• Develop and introduce new product lines made from reused materials, including:

  • Bamba planters for vegetables, flowers, and trees in urban environments.

  • Bambapots, both cold and heated, which are already in production.

  • Ylhús — small buildings made from IBC tanks and surplus construction materials, suitable for uses such as saunas, bicycle storage, and other multi-purpose spaces; sustainable structures created entirely from reused materials.

  • Other structures and functional products that demonstrate the potential of creative upcycling and the diverse reuse of materials that would otherwise be discarded.

• Begin international expansion, exporting not only products, but also the philosophy, production methods, and knowledge behind Bambahús. The goal is to develop solutions in countries facing similar challenges with IBC tank disposal, thereby supporting sustainable value creation on a global scale.

Bambahús represents innovation, sustainability, and social responsibility.
Through simple solutions, we have already created tangible impacts on the environment, urban spaces, and children’s education.

The journey has only just begun.