Build with bamboo, bring home nature
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Bamboo is increasingly finding acceptance as structural element in architecture. As a renewable resource, it has found favour among architects wedded to sustainable building technology, writes T. NANDAKUMAR.
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Recent studies have proved that bamboo is as strong as wood, brick and concrete. It derives its strength from the axial fibres.
PHOTOS: S. GOPAKUMAR
A COOL AND STRONG OPTION: One of Costford's ongoing projects, a house at Gandhipuram on the outskirts of the city, uses bamboo extensively for railings, balustrades and slanted windows.
It is strong, light, cheap, goes well with the traditional style of architecture and lends an ethnic touch to any type of room decor. Bamboo, used as an affordable building material for ages, is now back in vogue.
The graceful plant, with a yellow stem and thin leaves is slowly making a comeback as a structural element in architecture.
Back in favour
As a renewable resource, it has found favour among architects wedded to sustainable building technology. Recent studies have proved that bamboo is as strong as wood, brick and concrete. It derives its strength from the axial fibres. The highly elastic vascular bundles in the outer portion of the stalk have a high tensile strength, higher than that of steel.
The enormous elasticity of bamboo makes it ideal as a building material for earthquake-prone areas. Another advantage of bamboo is its low weight, which makes it easy to transport and work with. Bamboo is used to make posts, battens, railings, purlins and rafters.
The proponents
One of the notable proponents of bamboo is the city-based Centre Of Science and Technology For Rural Development (Costford) set up by Laurie Baker, the illustrious pioneer of low-cost building technology. The Centre for Development Studies, one of the masterpieces of Mr. Baker, used bamboo to reinforce concrete steps.
According to Costford director P.B. Sajan, bamboo is increasingly finding acceptance among clients with a preference for natural materials and sustainable technologies.
In many of the buildings constructed by the Costford, bamboo splits are used in place of steel rods in concrete slabs. Bamboo stalks are used for foundation piling in coastal areas where steel rods tend to rust in the saline environment and for reinforcement of surface beams in foundations. It is also possible to use bamboo splits for overhead beams but the work requires skilled hands.
Sustainable alternative
"At a time when natural resources are under immense pressure, bamboo offers a cheap, sustainable alternative to conventional materials. The aesthetic appearance is an added appeal. But ultimately, it is the client's choice that matters," says Mr. Sajan.
One of Costford's ongoing projects, a house located in sylvan surroundings at Gandhipuram on the outskirts of the city, uses bamboo extensively for railings, balustrades and slanted windows. "We wanted the house to look and feel different," says owner Pradeep, a telecom engineer and his wife Preetha.
The first thing that draws attention to the house is the row of bamboo balustrades adorning the frontal balcony and the slanted windows to the left side on the upper floor. Inside, the staircase railings are also of bamboo.
The house measuring 2,300 square feet, is marked by large open balconies and halls besides two bedrooms, a library, sitting room and an open kitchen.
The large windows and jalis ensure adequate cross ventilation to keep the interiors cool even in the worst summer.
Sourcing bamboo
The bamboo for the house was sourced from Mulayam on the other side of the city. "After cutting, the bamboo was treated with a mixture of copper sulphate for a whole day to ward off pests and termites. The bamboo has to be treated within 24 hours of cutting," explains Mr. Sajan. Then, it was dried and cut to the required length. Traditional bamboo workers believe that the stalks have to be cut at a specific time every month for the sap to drain off easily. Mr. Pradeep and his wife have already chalked out plans to create a garden with a live bamboo fence.
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