I want a bamboo house
Wanting a bamboo house is one thing and getting one designed and built in the right way with the appropriate bamboo is another story. I say this not just as an architect advocating bamboo but also as a bamboo house owner and constant user.
When one is enthralled by bamboo and really want a bamboo house, what are the critical factors to consider? And what is there to expect during the process and also what is there to know in advance about living in one.
Prior to jumping into the design of the house, here is what I would use as a basic starter checklist, in order of priority, backed with some relevant and abridged notes.
Checklist 1:
Is there bamboo growing in the region? Needs to be construction quality bamboo.
Can the bamboo be harvested and treated? This item is critical to the performance and lifespan of the bamboo. For more details on this check out the post - ‘How long does bamboo last?’.
If not, would you consider shipping processed bamboo from elsewhere? This can and has worked for some successful bamboo houses but it may not be economical or sustainable having to ship or truck it from afar.
Who will design it? The designer must be experienced and proven in bamboo design to ensure a quality workable outcome.
Who will construct it? Needs to be experienced and proven in bamboo artistry and construction to ensure a quality outcome.
Who will maintain it? This is critical as the house ages and insufficient or improper maintenance will lead to a reduced lifespan of the bamboo and the house.
Are you and your tribe comfortable with open living and in a totally different material? Always do a trial run and live in one beforehand - there are many for short lease in Asia (am not sure about Central/South America?) but choose wisely and make sure the house is similar to what you are going to create in terms of location, layout and overall design.
Is the house going to be approvable and compliant with the relevant authorities? It may be complex in some regions to achieve this because there are no standards or precedents in bamboo construction but often with the right help and information, especially engineering and fire ratings , I find that this may be resolved, dependent on how flexible the approving authorities are.
Photo by Javier Diaz
Once you have cleared these, and you are still not fazed, we go on to the house design itself.
Checklist 2:
Site selection need to be done with the utmost of care and where possible involve the designer and the builder. Avoid sunken valleys with no breeze or sites that are in the wind shadow and receive little sunlight. Avoid damp and dark areas and look for the more open and breezy sites. Outdoor living is prioritised so the views out and in and of course privacy is important. Trees are good on site but find a site that has some open area to build on to avoid having to cut trees or to build the house too close to one.
The need for cross ventilation and airiness - this is paramount in an open living and tropical environment. Fans can move damp air around but your comfort level and health will be much better where light breezes can bring in fresh air.
The need for sunlight and daylight - a couple of hours of sunlight with good daylight provision through out the day is essential to avoid stuffy and damp conditions.
Security and privacy in a bamboo house - my house has a totally open living area. The only ‘secure area’s the bedroom which is upstairs. Secure rooms can be created with bamboo walls and screens for the bedrooms and study. Store rooms and wardrobes may be designed as dry rooms with more ventilation or by incorporating in a dehumidifier. The need to keep out pests and vermin - the area around the ground floor should be left open and clear of vegetation or any debris. The floor should be elevated or stepped up.
Bamboo and wet does not mix - bathrooms and toilets should where possible be on ground level and the necessary walls and floors in constant contact with water will have to be built as non - bamboo. Bathrooms that are partially open to the air are practical, light and airy.
Wet and Dry season - most roofs are seldom designed with enough overhangs to counter the horizontal rain during the wet season. Ensure that your house design has super generous overhangs, verandahs and air wells to serve as buffers to the wind driven rain. Be prepared to retrofit with bamboo blinds, rain screens where necessary during the wet season. For the hot dry season, cooling may be necessary in some regions. If ceiling fans are not effective, design a smaller area to be closed in and air-conditioned for example just the bed and using a denser mosquito netting to make an air conditioned tent.
Cleaning & Maintenance - Avoid using harsh and abrasive cleaners on bamboo. Very light soapy water is good enough for regular cleaning with a cloth or mop. More effort is required to clean off spider webs and lizard droppings, if you ask me. Bamboo roofs and walls need to be checked especially in areas under or near trees. Clear off fallen leaves and debris. Recoat bamboo which has been affected by rain or sun.
There is a lot more that can be said about designing, building and living in a bamboo house for sure. Perhaps another article on this in the future!
The photo below is of a house building by a couple in Koh Phangan, Thailand. They have a beautiful site overlooking the sea and wanted to build in bamboo. Despite initial difficulties, they pushed through and found a way to design and build a series of bamboo buildings bringing help from a mix of expats, skilled artisan migrants and the local community. Their compound has now become a centre of learning for bamboo for the locals and they also host other community focused activities. Look up their IG @genius.loci_
If conceived, built and maintained well, a bamboo house, in my experience is a joy to live in. Try checking it out by staying in one of the many beautiful bamboo houses before you commit anything. Judge for yourself if you and your tribe are going to be comfortable and happy living this way.
If you still want a bamboo house and cannot bear full time open living with all its nasties, it will be good then to consider having a house made out of bamboo but combined with other friendly materials (hopefully recycled or repurposed) that you are more comfortable with. By the way, there is nothing wrong with a half bamboo house blended with other materials. It just has to be done right by ensuring that the bamboo is applied and combined with other materials in the way that uses bamboo to its best potential. Bamboo is not steel or timber and therefore should not be forced to become so - it will show badly unfortunately.
The power to pull out the ‘wow’ in bamboo house design – that lies with you, the bamboo, the conceiver, the builder and the artisans.
