Bamboo is regarded as the most sustainable material in the world and an ideal substitute for traditional hardwoods. It has strength on par with steel, but with greater durability and aesthetic appeal.
However, despite the extensive credits, it was only in the recent years when bamboo has created a great impact on art, design and architecture. Long before it was used as a primary material in a children’s learning centers such as in Thailand or in sustainable homes in Vietnam, bamboo was merely seen as a typical scaffolding or a decorative element.
As we focus on the rising popularity of bamboo in Australia, House of Bamboo, a leading provider of sustainable materials in Australia, lists five of the most famous bamboo architecture project in the world.

1. The Children Activity and Learning Center by 24H Architecture, in ThailandAnyone visiting the Koh Kood Island in Thailand will be in awe to see this structure made entirely of sustainable materials such as Thai bamboo and locally-sourced rattan. It is designed as part of the series of ecological icons within the luxurious Soneva Kiri Resort, enclosing a library, cinema, auditorium and more.
   Everything about the building is sustainable and adjusted for the climate. The Manta ray-shaped roof protects the center from heavy rains and the airy interior keeps it well-ventilated. It is intended to be a learning place for children where they are immersed in an eco-friendly environment to instill the value of ecology and preserving the nature.
2. Panyaden School by 24H Architecture, in ThailandAnother project from the 24H Architecture, the Panyaden School is a private bilingual school that is made up of a series of pavilion-inspired buildings shaped with a nod to the tropical antler horn fern. The 5,000 sq. m bamboo school is constructed using rammed earth and bamboo to ensure that it is nothing but a low-impact facility.
   The Chiang Mai campus aims to educate its students through a sustainable approach, supervising them in various activities such as planting, cloth weaving and more. It grows its own vegetable garden, treats its wastewater and recycles food waste to inspire them to live an eco-mindful life.
3. Low-Cost Bamboo Housing by H&P Architects, in VietnamThe low-cost housing project of the Vietnamese H&P Architects is an answer to the housing challenges in Vietnam. It started as a prototype for modular homes that is made of bamboo along with recycled materials – bottles, tires and waste stone powder – and locally-sourced items such as soil, rope, flowers and leaf roof.
   The result is a series of two-story homes that encompass a traditional architectural design and are easy to assemble. It frees up more space for agricultural production thus, reduce the problem of food shortage as well.
4. Wormhole by Eko Prawoto, in SingaporeWhat seemed like three conical bamboo mounds displayed in front of the National Museum of Singapore was actually a bamboo art installation by Indonesian artist, Eko Prawoto. It was part of the Singapore Biennale 2013 and is designed to resemble the range of mountains in Indonesia.
   The immersive structure invites visitors to traverse its interior that is accessible through a slit along its side. Its artistic details reflect the passing of time, the travel of space and the passage through earth, made by a burrowing earthworm. Sightseers recall the distinctive texture and smell of bamboo that is reminiscent of the time when it was predominantly used.
5. Bamboo Courtyard Teahouse by HWCD Associates, in ChinaThe floating teahouse is inspired by the traditional Yangzhou courtyards that are constructed with inward facing pavilions to enclose a beautiful and functional cubic space. It mainly uses bamboo that is assembled in asymmetric cubes, creating a fascinating play of geometric lines.
   The project encompasses the HWCD design philosophy by blending the traditional Chinese aesthetic and modern architecture. It utilises sustainable materials such as bamboo – with its voids providing natural ventilation and bricks that retain heat during winter. These materials reduce the dependency on HVAC systems.
   Throughout the years, bamboo has proven itself to be one of the most versatile materials available today and these architecture projects only cement its title as an ideal and sustainable alternative to many industrial materials in the future.
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Author Bio:
George Katsoudas is a Digital Marketing Professional. He works as the Managing Director of Low Cost SEO, a digital marketing firm in Sydney and a Digital Media Manager for House of Bamboo, offering Australia the most varied collection of classic and new natural materials.

Company Bio:
House of Bamboo is Australia’s trusted source of eco-friendly and high quality natural materials that can be integrated into contemporary setting. Our range encompasses high quality bamboo fencing, bamboo ceilings and shadings, timber screens, privacy screens, decorative screens, rattan cane webbing, fence panels, and pool certification.