SEATTLE, WASHINGTON — When I first saw the flyer for a study-abroad program in the Philippines that would be based around the bamboo material, I was instantly intrigued.
Bamboo here is more known as a large decorative grass for gardening enthusiasts in America, or as an accent material for blinds and mats, rather than as a building material.
Most recently, bamboo has made a name for itself here as a more affordable “hard wood” flooring alternative. It is a familiar material used here in America, but never as a structural material.
For this reason, I wanted to explore what bamboo really could offer, and see the possibilities it’s capable of. It was decided, so I packed my bag, and got all of my affairs in order. I was going to the Philippines to learn about this crazy grass.
Upon arriving at the small city of Dumaguete, we spent a whole day visiting Estudio Damgo’s projects in the last three years.
Estudio Damgo is the final year project for Architecture students from Foundation University in Dumaguete, where they are challenged to raise funds, design with indigenous materials, and build a functional structure for a particular community in Negros Oriental.
The first project we visited was a day care center high in the mountains of Dungga in Valencia town. It was led by only two Architecture students.
I was blown away by the innovative use of the material which I had never seen before. The front windows were comprised of ripped bamboo, planed similar to a 2X4, exposing the hollow cavities, and creating a screen effect. This was functional as it allowed constant airflow within, and also created an aesthetically-pleasing natural rhythm.
The daycare was made almost completely with bamboo, but it did not appear hut-like, and I believe this was because of how the material was used.
As a group, we then entered inside, and witnessed the day care center in use, with about a dozen toddlers sitting and eating their snacks before heading out to play.
The air and temperature was surprisingly comfortable within, and it was, in fact, a relief from the hot sunrays outside.
Looking up at the ceiling, we could see all the structure exposed, and arranged simply. It appeared like there was less structure within the roof than there would normally be in a typical lumber-framed structure. This is made possible because bamboo is so light itself, and at the same time, stronger then typical lumber.
Visiting the day care center first was a great introduction to building with bamboo, and I was impressed with it, being Estudio Damgo’s first project ever.
The next project we visited was the Panaghiusa Multipurpose Hall, located at the Core Shelter in barangay Bajumpandan, a community that was transplanted due to severe housing damage from a major flood. It was to serve as a place for the community to gather and meet.
When we got there, all the doors were still locked, so we quickly started to unfold the collapsing panels to reveal the interior. Unlike the traditional nipa roof of the day care center in Dungga, this multi-purpose hall had a metal roof.
The students responsible for the design explained that the community commonly partakes in fireworks display, and there was a serious concern of nipa catching fire in such events.
But even though the roof did not use the traditional materials, it was regionally-sensitive with the pitch and gable that was chosen. The multipurpose hall used much fancier structural techniques and trusses. Possibly because of the metal roof and intricate roofline, there was a need for more structural support. Each structural bamboo connection was wrapped with rattan to reinforce the connection. This gave a very natural visual, and reinforced the local vernacular of the Philippines.
It was surprising to learn that the community was skeptical at first, and unwilling to allow the Architecture students to build with bamboo.
For our final Estudio Damgo visit for the day, we arrived at Escano beach for the Bantayan Marine Sanctuary Learning Center. This was quite the picturesque experience. The initial sight of the floating pyramid instantly generated excitement among our group.
The excitement continued to escalate upon learning that we had to board a bamboo raft and pull ourselves towards the structure. Like school children, we couldn’t contain our laughter and excitement during the raft ride.
Upon reaching the newly-completed structure, we eagerly, yet gingerly boarded the floating pyramid made of bamboo. The pyramid structure was assembled from many smaller triangular panels. Every triangle panel was framed by large bamboo poles, and inferred strength with their repetition. Large stationary louvers made from mahogany shaded the interior, at the same time letting the ocean breeze through.
Paul Marin, Estudio Damgo III consultant, said they originally intended the louvers to be made also from bamboo, but due to its size and shape, it would not work with the design needs.
With this project being continuously exposed to ocean waves and salty sea air, rubber conveyer belt strips were used, instead of rattan, for lashing the bamboo. The rubber would be resistant to corrosion, and would last many more years as well, and protect the more vulnerable cut ends of the bamboo.
All of a sudden a hatch to a second floor was opened, and the excitement grew even more. One by one, we climbed a ladder that led to a second floor. This was quite an outstanding space to be within, which included 360-degree views of the open ocean, and the Dumaguete shoreline.
The students in charge of the bamboo pyramid project said it got positive reactions from the community, and it is apparent why.
In its early stages, the marine sanctuary is proving to be a success in demonstrating how a vernacular material can be used in exciting ways, and has a place in contemporary structures.
We were now fully inspired to design with bamboo, and had some pretty good ideas to what it was capable of.
The day that followed saw us travelling up the mountain to visit Herbie Teodoro at his Bambusa Collabo farm in the town of Dauin, south of Dumaguete. Right away, Herbie took us up to his porch filled with hand-made bamboo furniture of varying styles.
Each piece used bamboo in a different way, and showed the material’s many faces. Here, Herbie told us how profitable bamboo has been for him. He explained that bamboo can grow to full maturity within three years, and be harvested without disturbing the main root system.
In comparison, he said, timber takes 20 years to reach maturity, and once cut, you need to replant new shoots.
We then toured his bamboo farm peppered with bamboo worksheds and homes for the men who work with him. Herbie and his wife, In-in, talked about how Bambusa Collabo believes in creating a family atmosphere for everyone who work with them.
After the tour, we gathered in one of his bamboo structures where one of his men demonstrate to us the craft of making a bamboo basket. Before we even realized it, two of his men fell a 10-meter pole, and were carrying it into the hall. They continued to saw it into shorter and more manageable segments. The segments were chopped into two-centimeter sticks. The sticks were further processed by separating the bamboo skin from the interior fibers.
It was fascinating watching how quickly they turned a bamboo pole into flat strips of material that were capable of being intricately-woven.
Even though the men made the work appear easy, it was anything but…. The process was extremely laborious, and gave me an insight of how complicated some of the simplest things can be.
Once we started getting comfortable with the tools, we really got to understand how satisfying it is to build with our hands. We also established a deeper connection with a material that has proven to us to be so versatile.
Continuing into our design- and-build project, there were many more techniques we learned with the use of bamboo.
As a foreigner coming to the Philippines, it’s hard for me to understand why a culture seems to disregard such a remarkable building material that has a strong vein in their heritage.
Western influences have swept that all away with the use of concrete which, I have learned as an Architecture student, is not suitable for hot and humid climates.
Estudio Damgo has its work cut out for them, but it is a precious program that has the power to demonstrate to locals that bamboo is a worthy material. Bamboo is beautiful and strong, with endless possibilities.
