A typical computer consists of a two parts: a user interface primarily in the form of a display and a keyboard, and the computer itself. The Interface has high aesthetic requirements, a long usable life, and requires a good and durable tactile surfaces. The computer containing the technical components has few aesthetic requirements (it can be placed out of sight), is more likely to need servicing and replacement, and is not handled often. This design uses glass as the primary material and design element for the user interface thus creating an attractive display and a durable keyboard with trackpad that everyone would be glad to have on their desk. The computer itself is just a box. Modern cardboard packaging (with foil lining) can easily be folded to accommodate the shielding requirements and provide easy access to the inside, while being light and inexpensive.

The separation of the user interface components (display and keyboard) from the computing components (CPUs and hard drives) means that the interface components can be used for a long time, say tens years without becoming obsolete, while the computing compents (the computer box) can exchanged on a shorter life cycle. The materials chosen glass and paper have been based on this separation of function.

Glass is a durable, easy to maintain and very recyclable material. The display could consist of an OLED screen adhered to the glass panel. It along with the technical controller can be pealed off so the glass is free to be recycled. The keyboard similarly has a technical controller to record inputs from the touch surface that can be easily removed leaving the glass for recycling.

Paper is also very recyclable even with special foil coatings and salts used for fire protection. It is very appropriate for the technical components that make up the computer box and, can be inexpensively cut and folded to produce appropriate sizes for the requirements at hand. It is easy to open for service or removal of the technical parts for disposal and recycling.


By using very common materials, the processes for forming these materials are well know. The primary materials are also part of an existing material life cycle processes: glass can be recycled with pickle jars and wine bottles, the paper can be recycled with newspapers and cereal boxes. The technical components require a separate material flow since they are not yet in recyclable in the way that paper and glass are. The choice of materials here has lower embodied energy and easy production processes than the current methods.