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Casa de bambú en playa Avellanas, Guanacaste gana premio de arquitectura.
http://www.nacion.com/2010-11-05/AldeaGlobal/FotoVideoDestacado/AldeaGlobal2579188.aspxAs our resident, experienced construction dude Tom…
In your opinion, what are the advantages and disadvantages of building with bamboo in Costa Rica?
Scott
Bamboo construction is totally different than other methods. If you do not have well trained bamboo craftsmen and an abundant supply of bamboo, it is not practical to consider building with bamboo. 80% of construction costs on any bamboo project go to paying the trained craftsmen who have learned the specialized trade of installing the bamboo. I’ve been building housing in CR since 1992 and have yet to meet any trained bamboo craftsmen.
Bamboo-framed structures need to be separated from the elements with a proper foundation because termites and other bugs are attracted to Bamboo. Curing the bamboo stalks is mandatory. Borax or formaldehyde liquid solutions are typically used. The chemicals that are typically used for curing bamboo are not user or environmentally friendly.
When moving to a new country, you need to consider your ability to adapt to the local culture and language before you take on any new challenging projects that will require specialized training of the local workforce. Even if you’re extremely entrepreneurial, it’s usually recommended to not attempt to re-invent the wheel during your initial adaptation process. There are thousands of local Latino construction workers in Costa Rica who are accustomed to concrete construction that you could more easily work with to complete a cost effective dwelling for you to begin your new life in paradise. Good luck!We have friends who investigated bamboo construction in Costa Rica extensively. They did happen upon an outfit that’s been building with it for some time and they had what will become a guest house built using bamboo framing and a combination of bamboo slats and specially prepared mud for the infill of the walls. It’s on a poured concrete foundation.
This house is very presentable, but it’s nothing whatsoever like the pictures Tom has posted here.
So far (after just a couple or three years), the house seems to be holding up just fine, but I do wonder what its longevity will be.
As an aside, they also installed an “off the grid” photovoltaic system that’s serving them adequately, too.
Bamboo is a wonderful renewable plant and should be more widely used here in CR. Guadua bamboo is the type to use for building, and it is super strong if cured properly with Borax, which I don’t believe is environmentally unfriendly as stated. In fact concrete is one of the most unfriendly materials to use, as the manufacturing process is one of the worst for the environment.
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