Alex Symes' not-for-profit Big World Homes will display the first prototype of its pop-up homes at this year's Sydney Architecture Festival, which opens today.

The pop-up homes can be delivered in flat packs, and can be built with three basic tools: a drill with a few different bits, a hammer, and a wrench.

"It's like Ikea on structural steroids," Symes told the ABC's Lateline last night.

The 13sqm off-the-grid homes are made from 37 panels, and include grey water tanks, gas cyliner for cooking and hot water, solar panels, and battery backup.

Symes has designed the houses so that the panels and services are exposed to help occupants manage their elecricity and water use.

The homes cost $65,000 to build, which includes everything needed to get the house fully functional.

The vision is to eventually have communities of pop-up homes, as an affordable alternative to the current housing model.

Tim Horton, architect at the NSW Architects Registration Board, told Lateline that Big World Homes is Australia's answer to a global movement.

He said China is printing 3D homes, Wikihouse allows you to download house plans, and now Australia has its own way to lower the cost per sqm to build a home.

"The idea of having this pop-up home is that it can be driven in, have a pop up community, drive it somewhere else and have another pop up community. To solve an affordability problem is our dream," said Symes.

The house will be displayed on Chippendale Green from Saturday 1 October to Monday 3 October.

See also:

Chris Bowen says housing affordability at 'crisis levels'

Innovative housing affordability solution

Teaching children about houses