D
uring the design process attention was mainly focused on locally available materials
and weather conditions. The starting point was to realize a building using materials and
skills from within a 15 miles radius around the site. Bamboo, hand-shaped brick, Mango
wood, reused steel, local mortar and wafer-thin recycled corrugated panels are the main
materials used in the building.
The drive was to encourage locals to become aware on the basic principles of
sustainability and durable building concepts. In effect close to zero electricity or fossil
fuels were used during construction and other necessities required for erecting this
building, thus realising an environmentally friendly building that contributes to the
community in a significant way. The plan (79 x 105 foot) is East-West oriented and consists of two volumes
under a large bamboo roof construction. The classrooms and lavatories are positioned on the south side,
and on the north side we find the workshop with store.
Two sight lines traverse the building in all four directions. The lifting of the roof high above the volumes
has achieved a considerable reduction of heat build up within the spaces. Further cooling is provided by
cross ventilation, surrounding vegetation and the nearby pond. With the completion of this striking design
the architects have proved that conventional local resources and materials can be used to build successful
environmentally friendly unconventional architecture.
Although bamboo is seen as an inferior material in the region, the architects have chosen to make the whole
roof construction out of it. Even the walls and French doors of the workshop are cladded with it! Thus being
a reference to the bamboo bicycle frames that are made here. The final assembly of the bikes take place at the
backside under the roof. The front of the workshop faces the main road and houses the bicycle shop.
Sustainable features
From a bioclimatic point of view the orientation of the building allows to emphasize the natural cross
ventilation, which prevents costs with electric fans. The roof of th H