Ebiobambu is a School of Bioarchitecture and Experimental Research and Technology Center for Bamboo in the mountainous region of Rio de Janeiro. They developed an approach that integrates agroforestry cultivation, research on construction techniques, and training of specialized labor. The main species used in Ebiobambu’s projects is Guadua bamboo. one of the best structural bamboos … Read more
A family wants to build a house using the very material from the land. Shovel, bucket, sturdy bags, and physical strength replace heavy equipment. Can merely compacted soil support a complete structure? Loose soil does not support anything. It spreads, gives way, crumbles. The challenge, then, was to convert this raw material into something capable of … Read more
In 1999, a 6.2 magnitude earthquake devastated Colombia’s coffee region. Concrete buildings collapsed. Brick houses turned to rubble. Bamboo constructions stood firm. The phenomenon was so perplexing to Colombian engineers that, in the following years, the country did what no other had done before: it included bamboo in its national seismic code as an official … Read more
In a world increasingly affected by natural disasters, climate change, and housing crises, a seemingly simple technique has been attracting attention for decades: building houses with earthbags, also known as Superadobe. It has already demonstrated resistance to earthquakes, hurricanes, and fires. Popularized by Iranian-American architect Nader Khalili in the 1980s, superadobe combines ancient earth-based construction … Read more
Hempcrete is made from hemp hurd, lime, and water. The hemp stalk consists of two primary components: the outer fiber, commonly used in textiles, and the inner core, known as the hurd. Traditionally considered agricultural waste, the hurd has a woody texture and serves as the main ingredient in hempcrete. Lime acts as a natural … Read more
This rustic cabin was built almost entirely with materials found in the forest environment itself. The project demonstrates how traditional techniques, when properly applied, result in a stable, durable shelter that is fully integrated into the landscape. The structure has an efficient indoor microclimate, balancing temperature, natural ventilation and thermal comfort throughout the day. The construction … Read more