Material Study: Bamboo

The Arc uses interlacing bamboo arches and tensioned gridshells to span 19 meters without steel. The project demonstrates how engineered bamboo can achieve large-scale structural performance while remaining lightweight and renewable.

Located in Nusa Penida, this 160 m² bamboo structure draws inspiration from the manta ray’s fluid form. The roof and frame are built from locally sourced bamboo, following the site’s natural contours to create a lightweight, ventilated space that connects structure, landscape, and climate.

Built from 5 intersecting bamboo arches, Luum Temple uses parametric modeling and traditional joinery to form a self-supporting dome. The structure highlights bamboo’s capacity for precision fabrication and tensile strength without relying on metal fasteners.

Constructed from 15 conical bamboo columns, the café uses natural ventilation and daylighting to create a lightweight yet durable structure. The design demonstrates how untreated bamboo can perform structurally in humid climates through careful joint detailing and modular assembly.

This 1,460 sqm structure uses a series of interlocking bamboo arches to form a column-free interior. Prefabricated bamboo components were assembled on-site, showcasing how modular bamboo systems can scale to large public buildings with minimal environmental impact.

Set along the Li River in Guilin, the project uses sliced bamboo strips woven by hand to create 140 meters of lightweight canopy. The design merges digital planning with local craft, demonstrating bamboo’s ability to form large, fluid spatial systems using low-tech assembly.

Spanning 17 meters without steel reinforcement, the sports hall is built entirely from bamboo treated with natural borax salts. The design combines traditional Thai techniques with modern structural calculations, achieving a durable, low-carbon building that meets contemporary engineering standards.

Khudi Bari uses bamboo joined with steel connectors to form a lightweight, modular frame. Bamboo was chosen for its local availability, low cost, and structural resilience, allowing rapid assembly, disassembly, and flood resistance.