Floating Bamboo Low Cost Houses by H & P Architects


Generally permanent flooding problem in South East Asia is a great peril for the people there, but Vietnamese design firm H&P Architects seems to have come up with the solution for dwelling. Their new Floating Bamboo Homes seem perfect for this area for many reasons, including practicality, sustainability and price. These homes are actually impervious to flooding.

They are made of local bamboo and elevated on platforms with recycled oil drums and anchor-like steel piles. Now let’s see why these three elements.

Bamboo is locally grown, very sturdy and traditional in the area. It is used for walls, roof and framing. The oil drums are used as floats that keep the construction elevated above the water level during floods, while steel piles keep it anchored so as not to float away, or collide with other constructions in the area. Perfect.

Village of Floating Bamboo Low Cost Houses in Vietnam by H & P Architects

The roof of these bamboo houses is another talking point. Triangularly shaped sections open in different directions letting in natural light and air, as well as providing shade. The doors also have the option of opening up so as to provide shade and create a kind of sheltered terrace. All these openings, as well as windows, are quickly and easily closed up in case of bad weather, providing full protection.

The walls also include suspended bamboo planters that serve as gardens with systems for rainwater harvesting that can be closed up during storms.

The bamboo houses are made in two sizes, providing enough space for 6 or 8 dwellers, but there is a customization option that would make it possible to fit more people in.

Here comes the best part. The houses are literally made not to generate loads of revenue for the developer, but to provide practical and safe housing for one of the most unstable parts of the world when it comes to weather. They are made completely of local materials, using local techniques and, best of all, the complete costs – including materials and labor – should not exceed $2,000.

Village in case of flood using the Floating Bamboo Low Cost Houses in Vietnam by H & P Architects

6 person Floating Bamboo Low Cost Houses in Vietnam by H & P Architects

Different modes of use of the Floating Bamboo Low Cost Houses in Vietnam by H & P Architects

Floor plans of the Floating Bamboo Low Cost Houses in Vietnam by H & P Architects

Description of the elements in the 6 person Floating Bamboo Low Cost Houses in Vietnam by H & P Architects

Material and parts used in the 6 person Floating Bamboo Low Cost Houses in Vietnam by H & P Architects

Illustration of the construction phases of the Floating Bamboo Low Cost Houses in Vietnam by H & P Architects

Floor plans and features of the Floating Bamboo Low Cost Houses in Vietnam by H & P Architects


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