Are you looking for a new home craft project to take you into Autumn?
Join Compass’ Super Builder Challenge!
We’re inviting Leeds residents to build as many paper houses as possible between now and Friday 20 November 2026!
Over the last 8 months, Compass and Action Hero have collaborated with local architect partners Bauman Lyons, Page Park, 3xa Design & Whitby Wood to identify the many types of buildings found in Leeds: from the rows of Victorian red brick terraces found in Hyde Park and Harehills, to the mazes of beautiful glass-roofed shopping arcades in the city-centre, to the iconic buildings truly unique to Leeds, such as Kirkstall Abbey, Broadcasting Tower and Candle House.
After identifying over 30 types of buildings found across the metropolitan borough, the architects went away and designed a series of A4 paper model packs, divided into 4 key categories: Residential, Commercial, Civic & Landmark.
Since May 2026, we’ve hosted over 20 artist-led workshops in community centres and libraries across Leeds, where local residents have used the paper model packs to construct the individual houses & buildings that will contribute to the final paper diorama of our home city. These workshops will continue until the end of September 2026. Click here to find out more info about the remaining workshops.
The final model will be exhibited as part of a one-of-a-kind, interactive installation on Saturday 28 & Sunday 29 November 2026 at Leeds City Museum!
To complete the paper city model, we need to make 2000 buildings in total. To hit our target, we’re launching a “Super Builder Challenge”, and we’d love you to take part!
The challenge invites Leeds residents who enjoy crafting to build as many paper models from home as they can by Friday 20 November 2026.
How to get involved
Compass Live Art will arrange delivery of the A4 paper model packs (minimum of 30 packs per person), along with any specialist craft materials you may need (please see list below) to your home address. Alternatively, we can arrange for you to collect the materials from your local Leeds library. Please note that material quantities are limited, but we will do what we can to provide each person with anything they don’t already have at home or are not able to purchase new.
To complete the activity, you will need:-
- Paper model packs
- Cutting matt
- Metal ruler
- Scissors
- Craft knife (alternatively, you can score edges with the edge of a pair of scissors)
- Hi-Tack fast drying glue (available for purchase on Amazon or at Hobbycraft. Please note that standard PVA glue is not recommended- it has a much slower drying time and tends to warp the paper as a result)
You may wish to share the model packs and craft materials with friends, family or neighbours, so they can have a go at building a miniature model of their own house too!
If the challenge sounds like something you’d love to take part in, please get in touch so we can arrange delivery of the materials. We will also share a list of local libraries and community centres where you can drop off your completed paper models.
Once you have completed your paper houses (deadline is Friday 20 November 2026), please get in touch so that we can arrange to collect these from you.
Happy building!
Contact us at
Email: producing@compassliveart.org.uk
Instagram: @compassfestlds
