Is it possible to protect the environment and develop buildings at the same time?
Many modern-day architects believe so and have embraced the movement of sustainable architecture. Focused on environmentally-conscious design techniques, the movement seeks to minimize the negative environmental impact of buildings by enhancing efficiency and moderation in the use of materials, energy, and development space. Simply put, the idea of ecological design is to ensure that our actions and decisions today do not harm the opportunities of future generations. One such way is to embrace the use of sustainable and readily available materials such as bamboo. One pioneer in this field is Simon Velez.
A Colombian architect for over forty years, Velez is the most well-known proponent of bamboo as an elemental building component. Bamboo is a common material in the region Velez grew up in and has been used for centuries by the indigenous communities of the region. Velez was inspired to experiment and work with the abundant bamboo based on its history in the region and also because of the difficulty of transporting traditional building materials to the remote areas in which he was working.
Collaborating with friend and fellow architect Marcelo Villages brought about the development of a strong structural system (joinery) using the bamboo, or iron grass as its sometimes referred to, that focused on balance and the tensile strength of the bamboo plant. They noted that the main mistakes other architects use when working with bamboo is to treat bamboo like any other wood with no respect to its unique properties. Too often, bamboo is tested on compression but the true quality making bamboo an ideal building material is its ability to use shear tension as a counterbalance in structures. Velez utilizes this trait in his framework construction and has created joinery systems that utilize bamboo as a permanent structural element in both residential and commercial structures.
For four years, he has conducted workshops at the Vitra Design Museum and the George Pompidou Center in which he has helped build structures of bamoo-guadua as instructive exercises. He was also a leading designer for the Crosswaters Ecolodge, the first ecotourism destination in China in the forests of Nankum Shan Mountain Reserve, in the Guangdong Province. It is the largest project in the world to use bamboo in a commercial project, and the first project of this scale in Asia to use bamboo as a structural element in a dwelling. In 2009, he received the prestigious Principal Claus Award for his contribution to a positive interaction between culture and development.
In another notable project, Velez designed and constructed a 2000-meter bamboo pavilion for ZERI (Zero Emissions Research Initiative) to showcase at the 2000 World Expo in Hanover. This building was created for more than building for buildings sake. Not only did the designers want to showcase bamboo as an innovative and under-utilized building component but they also wanted to revamp the image of bamboo on a social scale. Unfortunately, the majority of the estimated one billion people who use this readily available building material consider it to be a symbol of poverty and those in the affluent classes veer away from it. The intent of this project was to create a unique structure that would instill pride in and stimulate the use of this abundant material. The pavilion was so impressive that it was reconstructed in Manizales, Colombia where it serves as a source of pride for the surrounding coffee farmers. Building on that success, a model farmhouse was also constructed in this Coffee Region that is also in the heart of the Guadua angustifolia, the bamboo species that is preferred for construction. Not only is it a beautiful example of sustainable building but it is also a life-saving material choice. Many in this region live in shelters that are not earthquake-safe but the farmhouse constructed of the strong but flexible bamboo, in conjunction with Velez’ signature tilting wall design, “dances” along with the rhythm of the shaking earth and remains standing. Another bonus is that on as little as 100 square meters of land, people could harvest enough bamboo every year to construct a two story house with a large balcony and double roof for only $1750 in material costs.
As architects and builders search out new ways to work with rather than against Mother Earth, bamboo as a material may be the strongest choice to build that eco-friendly future on.
If you can’t build your house out of bamboo, consider building your wardrobe and bedroom out of it!
Visit Green Earth Bamboo for a wide selection of bamboo clothing for women and bamboo clothes for men that use this super-soft, wonderfully absorbent material. This bamboo jacket is great for everyday wear, or choose this versatile wrap top that can either be a shirt or jacket! Pair either of them with these women’s wide leg pants for casual comfort in a trendy style. For ultra wicking abilities, try bamboo socks or bamboo underwear for men. And be sure to dazzle up that bedroom with bamboo sheets and duvet covers along with luxury bamboo bath towels and unisex bathrobes!
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