Logo white

Look no triangles!

by Mar 29, 2021Bamboo connections0 comments

Use of triangles is one of the fundamental principles for bamboo construction which is commonly used in most bamboo structures for stability and rigidity.   Keeping with our principle of exploring new designs and connections in every project we decided to challenge the notion of using triangulation for structural stability. The project was to build a bamboo pergola as an outdoor semi-open space on which creepers and vines can be grown to provide shade during summer months. This structure was built during a Bamboo Construction Workshop we conducted at Bandusia Country Retreat, St. Albans, NSW in Sep 2011. 

The design of the structure is inspired from the surrounding landscape and the existing house which is very Japanese in character. The structure has a square plan with four columns on its four corners. Each column is made of four bamboo poles and the beams are made of corbelled bamboo members which reduce in its length consecutively. Each corbelled bamboo beam member is bolted to the column which helps achieve a rigid frame. 

Laying out the joint on the ground.
Laying out the joint on the ground.
Bolting the bamboos together.
Bolting the bamboos together.

For the participants it was a good exercise in understanding the subtle variations in bamboo sizes though they belong to the same species, as bamboo is a non-industrialized natural material. The participants learnt about various bamboo species, treatments and construction principles. They also learnt that a little bit of flexibility and innovation is required in the design and when building with bamboo as is the case with most natural materials. 

Satisfied and happy workshop participants who helped make the structure.
Satisfied and happy workshop participants who helped make the structure.

We had used this design principle earlier in the very first bamboo structure we designed and built in India. In that design the corbels were 2 dimensional and hence we did not get sufficient lateral stability. In the current design the corbels are cross connected i.e. 3-dimentional and hence the structure is very stable. The pergolas on the top add to the overall rigidity and provide support for the vines.

Finished structure with the pergolas on top adding rigidity to the structure. They will also provide support for growing vines.
Finished structure with the pergolas on top adding rigidity to the structure. They will also provide support for growing vines.

Overall it was a challenging exercise that resulted in a very satisfactory outcome. I am sure that we will be using this design principle again in other structures to come as the possibilities with bamboo design are endless.

Author

You might also like…

The challenge of connecting bamboo

Building with bamboo is becoming very popular throughout the world with many prominent architects now using bamboo as a construction material. This is evident from design blogs and websites, which showcase increasing number of bamboo buildings. Bamboo architecture has...
4.5 2 votes
Article Rating
Subscribe
Notify of
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Stay updated with new posts!

Get new blog posts in your mail box as soon as they are released. 

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Pin It on Pinterest