A unique design for a low-cost bamboo house that can withstand three metre high flood waters has been recognised at the Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design 2015 Green Good Design Awards.
The Vietnamese practice H&P Architects designed the house, which is built from tightly packed rows of 8-10cm bamboo cane, and can be adapted to make use of locally available materials such as bamboo wattle and coconut leaf. The entire structure is formed using simple bolting, binding, hanging and placing methods, with 3.3m and 6.6m building lengths available.
Its ability to withstand flood waters up to three metres makes the Blooming Bamboo House the first of its kind, and the design recieved a special mention from the judges for its “unparalleled humanistic value.” This responsiveness to flooding was a core consideration for the architects, with floodwaters presenting a periodic threat in Vietnam.
Natural light and ventilation are key features of the design, which serves as a versatile template for all sorts of uses. Elements of the house can be opened and closed to respond to the needs of the occupants and weather variations.
It is an ideal model for mass production, with the total cost of building estimated by the architects to be $US2500 and with the structure able to be built by users within 25 days.
New Zealand practice Wishbone Design Studio also made the top 100 in the 2015 Green Good Design Awards for its design for children’s bikes that can be adapted according to age and ability.
To see the full list of 2015 Green Good Design Awards winners, click here.
