Bamboo House Building

It’s my understanding that the use of adobe in residential and commercial construction was outlawed in CR after the earthquakes that killed thousands in Managua, Nicaragua in the ’80’s. Cheap, but dumb to use in a seismic region.

Bamboo Construction Considerations in Costa Rica
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!