NY RAT,

It's funny, but your post reminds me of the 3-D projects we had in college. I was super-jealous of the class that got to make boats out of cardboard coated in shellac - they made some incredibly lightweight, waterproof boats that didn't sink with 3 people on board. All I got to make was a chair out of 2 sheets of corrugated cardboard WITHOUT staples, tape or glue. It was incredibly sturdy, and I could hide a beer inside it.

I'm still experimenting with the shelter ideas, though. The cardboard idea was a learning experience. I've got bamboo to play with now!