Green Queens - the
eco-friendly abode
| `Green Queens,' conceived and constructed by the Kerala State Bamboo
Corporation, is quite different from the traditional concept of bamboo
houses. |
GO GREEN: The bamboo house conceived by the Kerala State Bamboo Corporation.
Swaying clumps of bamboo always evoke images of serenity and
rustic charm. Sleek bamboo poles of varying hues silhouetted against the sky
give a unique ambience to any surrounding, be it in a village, forest or urban
landscape. Its beauty apart, bamboo is a plant with the most versatile
applications. The fastest growing plant on earth, bamboo, has always been made
use of by human beings from time immemorial.
Above
competition
Even in this era of technological advancement, bamboo has few
competitors in terms of durability, economy and ecological advantage all
combined together. For centuries, bamboo was used as a raw material for
construction purposes. The poles became pillars for all sorts of roofs. In many
countries, bamboo mats served as partitions and flooring. Cottages made
completely out of bamboo poles are seen in exotic tourist locations. But, `Green
Queens,' conceived and constructed by the Kerala State Bamboo Corporation, is
quite different from the traditional concept of bamboo houses. This eco-friendly
abode, launched by the Corporation recently, is a novel concept, suitable for a
wide variety of purposes.
"It is part of our attempt to make value-added products out
of bamboo," says M.R. Anilkumar, managing director of the Bamboo Corporation.
"While the concept of using bamboo for constructing houses is being discussed at
the national level mainly for the purpose of rehabilitation, we have designed it
as a value-added product that would eventually help our artisans," he points
out. The bamboo houses now being designed at the national level for the
rehabilitation purposes are merely residential structures, while the Corporation
has designed a full-fledged traditional house. The biggest attraction of this
design is that it is completely pre-fabricated, Mr. Anilkumar points out. "It
can be completely dismantled within an hour, and re-constructed within five
hours." The house is suitable for segments like tourism and ayurveda centres, he
says. "We also target the export market as it is totally pre-fabricated.
However, it is expensive," he adds.
Use of
Bambooply
The house has an infrastructure of wooden frames, done with
good quality timber. The walls, floor and roof are completely constructed with
Bambooply, the popular alternative for wood, made out of bamboo mats
manufactured by the Corporation. Considered an ideal substitute for wood,
Bambooply had been used for a wide variety of purposes, including the making of
furniture. But it was for the first time that the Corporation was making use of
it for constructing an entire house.
Since Bambooply is resistant to weather, heat, water and
termites, the house becomes a suitable option in any geographical or climatic
zone. The air pocket between layers of walls also ensures climatic protection.
While the most practical use of bamboo houses is for
rehabilitation especially in earthquake-affected regions, the Bamboo
Corporation's innovation points at the possibility of catering to a high-end
market. The house presently developed has a plinth area of 436 square feet,
including a sit-out, drawing room, kitchen, bedroom and toilet-cum-wash basin.
The total height of the structure is 428 cm. It is priced at the rate of
Rs.1,200 per square feet, with taxes and other duties. Around one lakh
traditional workers are associated with the bamboo sector in the State. To
ensure support to these artisans, we need to diversify our products, entering
the value-added sector. We need to create an awareness among the public," says
Mr. Anilkumar.
RENU RAMANATH
Courtesy:
The Hindu - Property Plus
http://www.hindu.com/pp/2006/12/23/stories/2006122300480300.htm
Build with bamboo, bring
home nature
| 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. |
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.
Courtesy:
The Hindu - Property Plus
http://www.hindu.com/pp/2006/09/30/stories/2006093001500100.htm
