http://www.gizmag.com/blooming-bamboo-h ... cts/29225/
Vietnamese architectural firm H&P Architects has produced a new prototype dwelling constructed from bamboo. Dubbed Blooming Bamboo, the house is built to withstand heavy flooding, and is eventually intended to be mass-produced and sold as an affordable and attractive home.
The Blooming Bamboo prototype measures 44 sq m (473 sq ft), is placed on stilts, and is built around a central frame constructed from bamboo. This frame can be further adapted to suit the needs of each owner, using locally-sourced materials which include bamboo, fiberboard, and coconut leaves.
The ground floor features a living room, bedroom, bathroom, WC, and kitchen, while an additional multi-function upper floor is accessible via ladder. An area is set aside for plants and animal breeding, and the home sports both indoor and outdoor terraces.
Blooming Bamboo's facade allows ample natural light and ventilation, and the property also includes rainwater collection facilities with integrated filtration system. Besides a house, the building could also be used as a small community center, medical center, or educational facility.
Blooming Bamboo is rated as able to withstand floods of up to 1.5 m (5 ft) in depth, but work is underway to increase this to 3 m (10 ft).
H&P Architects reports that Blooming Bamboo can be built by future owners within 25 days, and the homes are expected to be produced at a cost of US$2,500.
