Here are list of few projects that utilize bamboo as their building material.
1) Folded Bamboo Houses by Ming Tang
The project is inspired by origami--it folds and unfolds depending on the needs of the user and was proposed as temporary housing for Haiti aftermath.
2) Bamboo Pavilion by Esan Rahmani
The Bamboo Pavilion is designed with 100% bamboo material for the homeless.
3) Bamboo dormitories for Thai orphanage by TYIN Tegnestue
This dormitories collect rainwater.
Although these projects are fascinating in that they utilize readily available bamboo from their site, the projects mainly provide for poor, homeless, and orphans. Bamboo is a great material that is sustainable. It helps our forests to survive, is environmentally harmless, and is beautiful in the eye. We should utilize such material in our apartments or luxury hotels, not just for the poor, homeless, and orphans.
Aren't they using bamboo tents to house the victims in Japan. That aside, Bamboo is aesthetically pleasing and hopefully it has a future in the market especially if it renewable and inexpensive.
ReplyDeleteThis seems like a great idea! While I know nothing about architecture all these structures are gorgeous and I support anything that uses innovation to help you planet.
ReplyDeleteA good friend of mine had bamboo planted in her garden when we were growing up. From what I remember her mom said it grew like crazy and spread very quickly. Growing bamboo also seems a lot more sustainable than wood. More of it can be grown on less land thus minimizing its environmental impact.
Wow, that’s really cool. Modern architects are becoming more and more creative as time goes on. Who would have ever thought that bamboo could be such a versatile material. From what I hear it’s also extremely strong. I’ve seen homes built using bamboo, but nothing like this. The pictures you posted resemble the work of an architect I’ve spoken about on my blog: Shigeru Ban. His designs are similar; but instead of bamboo, his material of choice is paper.
ReplyDeleteHere’s a link to my post on Shigeru Ban:
http://realestatetoday-danielpouldar.blogspot.com/2011/04/shigeru-ban-architectural-genius.html
I agree with all the comments above--bamboo seems like a great natural resource that more architects should take advantage of. It has the inherent connection to nature, as you said, while there is proof that it can still be used in quite sophisticated-looking structures. It also is more sustainable than wood, as it is stronger, more flexible, and I think it is even waterproof? Correct me if I'm wrong. I think in the modern age we're in, people are becoming more environmentally conscious of all the damage we've already caused to nature. Incorporating more sustainable materials such as bamboo into permanent structures can be one small step in the right direction.
ReplyDeleteThese are indeed some fantastic designs. But, as far as I know, bamboos can rot if touched by water. Are these bamboos treated specially to prevent rotting in case of rain?
ReplyDeleteBamboo seems like such a great way to create housing. It's natural, renewable and cheap. As people are becoming more and more environmentally conscious, they are looking into more ways to go green. I feel like if this idea of using bamboo continues to grow, people will consider using it for other housing and not just for the poor. Hotels may even choose to use it because it shows that the designers are innovative and while they can provide a luxurious environment, it can be done without a high cost to the environment. Furthermore, it seems as if many creative art pieces can be created out of bamboo and these could serve as great center pieces for hotels to attract customers.
ReplyDelete