BAMBOO TREES
Status: Completed
Location: Luang Prabang, Laos
Year: 2015
Client: -
Architects: BTI, Elettra Melani
Scope of service: from concept to construction – “Design & Build workshop”
Location: Luang Prabang, Laos
Year: 2015
Client: -
Architects: BTI, Elettra Melani
Scope of service: from concept to construction – “Design & Build workshop”
THE STRUCTURE DURING CONSTRUCTION
THE STRUCTURE DURING CONSTRUCTION
Building Trust International (BTI) has a strong commitment to using natural materials, sustainable design practices, and help found directly in local communities. I had the pleasure of being a part of the BTI team as Regional manager for 3 years, in which I contributed to numerous successful projects in South East Asia.
This was one of the last projects I saw through to completion as part of the team at Building Trust International.. Located at the Kuang Si falls, just outside Luang Prabang in north-central Laos, this building was the result of a design + build workshop. The program involved education and outreach through the design and construction of an outdoor, merchandise storefront for the non-profit Free The Bears. FTB was officially formed in the 1990s and works to combat illegal trade of live bears, and provides sanctuary for any animals rescued at the Tat Kuang Si rescue centre. Southeast Asia has a long history of using bears — most specifically Asiatic black bears — for traditional medicinal purposes.
LOCAL COMMUNITY AND KEEPERS HELP TO BUILD THE STRUCTURE
The storefront enables Free The Bears to sell items such as t-shirts and other goods, to continue their ongoing efforts in Laos and beyond. Three fluted fountain-like canopies protect the wooden deck shop floor. When it rains, their shape allows rainwater to be caught and passed down the shape into each towers’ gravel-filled foundation.
As with all projects with BTI, we worked closely with the local community, in this instance the Khmu people. The venture was dubbed ‘bamboo trees’, a name derived from the all-natural material list including bamboo, weaved rattan, and thatched palm. In lieu of steel, the shapes are supported by rope — about 10 kilometres in total — which spirals around, weaving each piece together for a consistent, solid whole.
PROJECT GALLERY
FLOOR PLAN
THE ROOF
COMPLETED BUILDING
COMPLETED BUILDING
CONSTRUCTION
ELEVATION
