Week 9: BAMBOO CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY

The scientific Vernacular explores the turning points when inputs of scientific knowledge boost the creative urges of architects for new forms of architectural expression which were traditionally concentrated in Vernacular Architecture; taking the leap from a stylist approach to knowledge based and innovative approach with the use of technological science.

This week, I will be discussing about several issues presented during the 1st Bamboo Construction Seminar Malaysia 2015 that was held on the 10th May in Corus Hotel, Jalan Ampang; how contemporary scientific knowledge has altered traditional bamboo constructional technology.

Bamboo is being knwon as the nature's green diamond because of its iconic material for green technology. It can be identified through colour and diameter. Thus it is known as the giant grass because it can grow anywhere.

Bamboo has many functions. It can be used as a construction material, using its root to get water, turn it into eateries such as cookies and flour, daily uses such as shampoo, body wash, fertilizer, food wrapper, clothes etc. Bamboo also produces more oxygen and take in as much carbon dioxide compared to other plants.

Therefore, bamboo itself has a lot of advantages. It is a cheap, fast growing material with excellent statistics according to the mechanical properties. The strongest period the bamboo will be in will be during its 3rd-6th year. Fertility of soil will also affect the growth period of the bamboo.

        Traditional Method                 Vacuum Treatment

On the other hand, bamboo has its disadvantages such as decaying, susceptible to insect and fungal attack. To overcome this issue, bamboos were being treated in several ways to increase its durability. Submerging the bamboo into the soil with water for 6 month will be one of the authentic treatment towards the bamboo. Another treatment can be done by adding boric acid into the water; submerging the bamboo into it for 2 weeks; the bamboo can be as long lasting as timber. Various ways such as using herbs, using a vacuum tank, using smoke etc. can also be used to treat the bamboo.

Have you heard of bamboo in winter? Due to its gradual change in temperature, it will not affect the bamboo. Several bamboo structures in China and Japan lasted more than a thousand years. It can widthstand the gradual change of temperature according to its seasons.

Bamboo can be used in various part of the building, from interior to exterior, from furnitures, floor to roof;

   
          Roof Shingles                  Floorings and Door

                                      Openable Roof Structure

                          

Bamboo has got a round profile therefore creating connections will be leading to difficult geometric structures at the knot. Various connections can be used; for example, friction tight rope connections, nuts and bolts connection, positive connections, interlocking connections,


Besides that, bamboo is hollow in the middle of the cane; therefore it can be reinforced by pouring concrete inside.

Since Bamboo itself has several issues, bringing threats towards the mission and vision of our future development, a combination of kachcha and pukka styles can be used to increase its characteristic thus improve durability and feasibility of the building. How? What is kachcha and pukka?

Kachcha is a building made of natural materials such as mud, grass, bamboo, thatch or sticks and is therefore a shott-lived structure; Whereas pakka is a structure made from materials resistant to wear as forms of stone or brick, clay tiles, maetal or other durable materials, such structures are expensive to construct as the materials are costly and more labor is required.

Research Question:
How can a combination of kachcha and pukka styles can be used to increase bamboo's characteristic thus improve its durability and feasibility of the building?