Bamboo Micro-Housing: A Sustainable Solution for Transitional Living

A Unique Approach to Affordable and Eco-Friendly Housing

The Bamboo Micro-Housing project, designed by Dylan Baker-Rice, offers a creative and sustainable solution to the housing crisis faced by many urban dwellers. Inspired by traditional Southeast Asian architecture, this transitional residence utilizes bamboo to create a visually appealing and structurally sound living environment.

The concept behind the Bamboo Micro-Housing project is to provide affordable and temporary housing for individuals and families who lack permanent housing options. By utilizing existing industrial buildings in city centers, this innovative design aims to make use of disused spaces and provide a unique living experience.

What sets this design apart is the use of bamboo as a primary material. Bamboo was chosen for its low cost, small ecological footprint, and availability in Southeast Asia. The arcs and bends in the bamboo not only provide structural support but also create a visually appealing form. The bamboo also acts as a screen, allowing for controlled ventilation and a sense of open space within the compact living environment.

The construction of the Bamboo Micro-Housing units involves heat bending rattan, using bamboo for structure and screening, and a unique jointing system with bamboo. This allows for ease of assembly, low-cost construction, and the use of sustainable materials. Each unit has a floor area of approximately 15 square meters, providing enough space for sleeping, eating, bathing, cooking, and working.

The first prototype of the Bamboo Micro-Housing was completed in December 2013 in Hong Kong and was exhibited at the 2013 Hong Kong Shenzhen Bi-city Biennale. The design team, led by Dylan Baker-Rice, includes design director Damita Yu, lead designers Matthew Donkersely and Sara Campagna, and design collaborator Cherie Cheung, Sam Ki, and Jason Yeung.

This innovative design addresses the challenges faced by urban dwellers without permanent housing. It offers a temporary solution that is both affordable and sustainable. The Bamboo Micro-Housing project has been recognized for its excellence and innovation, receiving the Silver A' Design Award in 2014 in the Architecture, Building, and Structure Design category.

The Bamboo Micro-Housing project showcases the potential for creative and sustainable solutions to address the housing crisis in urban areas. By utilizing bamboo as a primary material and repurposing existing industrial spaces, this design offers a unique and environmentally friendly approach to transitional living.

Image Credits: All photos courtesy of Luke Hayes, Bamboo Micro-Housing, 2014