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The building system
satisfies the following basic requirements:
Affordability:
foundations are minimised, wall panels are non-loadbearing and can be reduced in
thickness, basic components (bamboo, wire, bolts, chicken mesh, cement) are
inexpensive.
Sustainability and
environmental impact:
Bamboo is available in commercial quantities using the established supply
system. It is a renewable resource with a short rotation period and can be grown
on degraded land. The bamboo is treated using environmentally friendly
preservatives. The use of high energy embodied materials (cement, steel) is
minimised.
Cultural acceptability:
The system offers traditional materials in a modern engineering context. The
result is homely, with the feel of permanence
Durability and safety:
All bamboo components are treated with safe preservatives to give extended life;
the structure is engineered to resist wind and earthquake forces and other
imposed lads.
Improved
jointing techniques:
nailing (and therefore splitting) is eliminated; wiring, bolting and strapping
provides positive connections
Modular construction:
suited to either prefabrication or fabrication in-situ: all components are
designed to be prefabricated (e.g. infill grids, roof trusses), or prepared on
site
Ease of assembly:
Only basic carpentry and masonry tools and skills are required to undertake the
construction.
A number of
cost-effective, affordable houses have been built or planned using the
bamboo building system developed by IPIRTI and TRADA. These are
shown here.
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