Poetics of Bamboo

POETICS OF BAMBOO
BALI, INDONESIA

Copyright © 2015 by Indus University
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any
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below.
IDEA Research Cell,
Institute of Design, Environment and Architecture,
Indus University
Rancharda, Via : Thaltej,
Ahmedabad - 382 115.
Gujarat, India.
email: info.idea@indusuni.ac.in
website: http://idea.indusuni.ac.in/#home/1
Printed in Ahmedabad, India.
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POETICS OF BAMBOO

POETICS OF BAMBOO
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ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY
Indus University will be a nationally acclaimed university -
amongst the best universities of our country - for academic
excellence, professional relevance, research and innovation
in socially relevant thrust areas, seamlessly integrating Indian
values and global ethos, satisfying all its stake holders.
To offer quality technical and management education to the
members of its community in the best traditions of creative
and innovative teaching - learning process encompassing
the philosophy ‘’where practice meets theory’’ by ensuring
state-of-the-art infrastructure and attracting competent and
qualified human resources who will engage in research and
development activities aimed for building the university.
ABOUT IDEA
Imparting architecture education at Institute of Design,
Environment and Architecture, Indus University is considered
to be a two-way process involving both teachers and
students. Teachers engage with the students and endeavor
towards finding solutions to complex as well as day-today
problems linked to human habitation. This approach
helps make for a more interactive and experimental model
of education. Along with a potent team of innovators and
collaborators, IDEA has focused on developing
new teaching methodologies and redesigning
the curriculum of architecture education in general.
IDEA RESEARCH CELL
A research cell was established at IDEA in 2015 to complement
the teaching methodology at IDEA and to specifically
focus on all-round development of students with
respect to building materials, technology and professional
practice. We expose students to the cultural and demographic
significance in architecture through collaborations
with various national and international agencies to enable
students to look at architecture from more than just building
spaces but from a more socio-cultural perspective.
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POETICS OF BAMBOO

ABOUT COLLABORATIVE PROGRAMS
We have figured that the progressive environment when students
and faculties get together can only be bettered by having
our students interact with professionals in the field and
other students and faculties from other universities.
In order to create future-ready and a more relevant breed of
young architects, the architecture education has to open its
boundaries for other sciences, which matter profoundly for
a better built and living environment. The curriculum needs
to focus on a more contextual approach, which involves an
understanding of social sciences as well as economics. By
doing so, we will be able to create an awareness which is
flexible as well as introspective. At IDEA, we put forward a
principle stance in support of collaborative innovation, creative
freedom and future relevance. To this effect, we designed
“Collaborative Programs” which work in the following
ways:
1. Shared Resources
2. Shared Experiences
3. Collective Enrichment
These programs help bolster students’ holistic development,
in line with the Indus philosophy of making competitive,
adaptive professionals with problem-solving abilities
and wisdom of context and consideration of society and
environment. Through collaboration with other universities
and agencies for teaming up with students and facilities,
students are brought out of their comfort zone and they get
hands-on experience with materials, artisans, other professionals
and peers working in the same domain and are able
to understand the larger picture that exists around any builtform.
They are able to better understand the context, the
conception, the process of implementation and the resultant
consequence of the built-form on individual and their environment.
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AUTHOR:
Participating students
CO- AUTHOR: Vicky Achnani
Gaurav Dinodia
Bhanupratap Sharma
Shachee Chandra
EDITORS:
Ishita Jain
Vivek Sheth
Atreya Bhattacharyya
Shreya Kaul
Bhanupratap Sharma
IN COLLABORATION WITH:
EXPERT:
Deffit Wijaya
Intan Widuri
Ashar Saptura
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PARTICIPANTS
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POETICS OF BAMBOO

Acknowledgment
We are thankful to the team of experts in Bali that included Defit Wijaya, Intan Viduri and the local bamboo artisants that
helped us strengthen the piers of our understanding in terms of working with bamboo as a material and also for providing
us with the drawings of the Green School. We are also thankful to PT Bamboo who provided us with the information on
the technicalities and pre-processing of bamboo, which in turn helped us understand the material in a better manner.
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POETICS OF BAMBOO

Introduction
The principle aim of the workshop was to develop an understanding of a material, develop an ability to visualise and
articulate forms in the material through sets of joineries and process of making, and further clarifying this learning
through the sequence of construction. The workshop started with the basic introduction to bamboo as a material and
the concept of tensegrity - by making tensegrity models followed by lectures on campus, Indus. Once the models were
made, a simple unit to demonstrate tensegrity was worked out in bamboo to understand the fixtures and joineries used
in creating the structure.
Bali offers a range of bamboo species that can be used in multiple ways, making bamboo a versatile material of
construction for the region.
The workshop was segregated in Two Main Categories in terms of understanding the material:
- Expressions of bamboo in Bali
- Understanding the concept of Tensegrity and Hands-on working with the material
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SECTION I
EXPRESSIONS OF BAMBOO IN BALI
01
To look at the main building material, bamboo,
and study how all the systems are made entirely
out of it.
1.1 Drawings
1.2 Millenium Bridge
1.3 Versatility Of Bamboo
1.4 Green School
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28
29
30
GREEN SCHOOL
02
To take it as a case study and understand the
sequence of construction, and then to use it to
its maximum capacity.
2.1 Sunrise Villa
2.2 Bamboo Staircase
34
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GREEN VILLAGE
03
To look at how bamboo is treated and understand
its properties.
3.1 Process
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P T BAMBOO
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POETICS OF BAMBOO

SECTION II
UNDERSTANDING THE CONCEPT OF TENSEGRITY
AND HANDS-ON WORKING WITH MATERIAL
01
To apply tensegrity and apply the understanding
in 1:1 scale by making a Fullerene.
5.1 Introduction
5.2 Mock Up Model
5.3 Sequence Of Construction
For Making Of Tensegrity Structure
49
55
63
TENSEGRITY
02
To understand basic joineries in bamboo and
how all the systems are assembled.
6.1 Sequence Of Construction For Making Of Tree House 78
TRADITIONAL HUT
Questionaires...................................................94
...........CONTENTS
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ORIENTATION WORKSHOP
A workshop was conducted on campus, before going to Bali, in order to understand the basic
concept of tensegrity and to study bamboo as a construction material. The short workshop
included lectures on tensegrity, making mockup models of units and working with bamboo.
Since, the workshop was structured to provide the students with the primary understanding of the
concept of tensegrity, it began with the introduction to theory of tensegrity, which was followed
by making very basic models on expressing the concept of tensegrity.
ORIENTATION WORKSHOP
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TOOLS USED:
• Wooden sticks (cross section 1cm x 1cm)
• Hammer
• Hack Saw
• Hooks
• String
• Drilling Machine
PROCESS:
• Out of a long wooden stick, cut four sticks of 15cm precisely.
• Drill (1.5mm) two surfaces (top and bottom) with smallest cross section area
• Screw a hook into the hole.
• Take three sticks and start tying the bottom of one member to the bottom of the second member.
• Tie the bottom of the third member to th bottom of the previous two.
• Tie all the three sticks from the top in same series.
1 2
1. Wooden sticks
2. Hooks inserted on the top and bottom of the sticks
3. Tensegrity model
4. Testing the tensigrity model
4 3
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EXPLORATIONS:
• Basic units of tesegrity were tried
and the princilple of tesegrity was
explored through different units. In
some cases weights were added
in order to stabilize the unit.
1
1. Connections
2. Model
3. Testing of Model
2 3
2
1
WORKING WITH BAMBOO:
• Students were supposed to work
with bamboo before going to Bali so
that they got used to the tools and
properties of bamboo as a material in
it’s practical terms.
• Cutting of bamboo
• Splitting of bamboo
3 4
1. Cutting Of bamboo
2. Making a groove in bamboo using a knife
3. Creating a slit by hitting a hammer on the knife
4. Pulling off the two splits with hands
ORIENTATION WORKSHOP
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FINAL MODEL:
• Since bamboo is one of the best material for the context of Bali, the idea was to learn
the concept of tensegrity with bamboo. So, a tensegrity mock-up model was made on a
larger scale.
• As the actual material and a larger scale was introduced, joineries and other technicalities
had to be faced.
• Here, adjustible clamps replaced hooks and clutch wire replaced string. Clutch wire
was tied with the adjustible clamps by U-clamps and they were provided with turn
buckles to adjust the tension in them.
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1
1. U-clamps
2. Final tensegrity model made out of bamboo
3. Turn buckles
3
2
ORIENTATION WORKSHOP
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SECTION I
EXPRESSIONS OF
BAMBOO IN BALI
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Chapter 1 Green School........................................................ 25
1.1 Drawings
1.2 Millenium Bridge
1.3 Versatility Of Bamboo
1.4 Green School
Chapter 2 Green Village ....................................................... 33
2.1 Sunrise Villa
2.2 Bamboo Staircase
Chapter 3 PT Bamboo............................................................ 39
3.1 Process
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28
29
30
34
36
40
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Chapter 1
GREEN SCHOOL
The unique Green School sits on the land of Bali, where the built forms seek to be in harmony with the surroundings. It
came up with the thought of giving back to the nature and to improve the possibilities for the coming generations.
The rising idea has four classrooms, kitchen, gymnasium, kindergarten, access bridge and a principal building. The heart
of the school has no walls; it is entirely open in order to allow cross-ventilation and also to develop a sense of connection
with the surroundings. It is double helix in plan .There is no separate rooms for classes; spaces are separated with the
help of levels.
GREEN SCHOOL
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1.1 DRAWINGS
Ground Floor Plan
scale: NTS
South Elevation
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scale: NTS

First Floor Plan
scale: NTS
Second Floor Plan
GREEN SCHOOL
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1
1Millenium bridge-https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/f8/eb/99/f8eb
991fae712a19c30349a8342d059c.jpg
2. Millenium bridge-https://i.ytimg.com/vi/cIKM0AOpbFg/maxresdefault.jpg
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1.2 MILLENIUM BRIDGE
The Millenium Bridge, constructed above the Abiansemal stream spanning 22 meters across, enhances the beauty
of the place. The school buildings itself are an inspiration for a sustainable future since they are made up entirely
of natural and recycled materials – like bamboo, timber, thatch, tires and more. Traditional methods of assembly
are used for its construction. The fencing, pathways, staircases, tables and chairs, blackboards, roof - everything is
made out of sustainable materials. The roof made of thatch and bamboo is like an umbrella. It extends out protecting
the inside from rain and also prevents the bamboo from weathering. Car windshields are also used at some places
as roofing material.
The idea was to give back to local. The idea of sustainability is implanted in young minds at the ‘cathedral of
green education’. Children come together from 25 different countries to start their journey of sustainability. The
children take part in rice planting, mud wrestling, building with bamboo and a lot more activities apart from just
reading books and writing notes. The motto of the founder is to “Be local, let the environment lead, think how your
grandchildren might build.”
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1.3 VERSATILITY
OF BAMBOO
GREEN SCHOOL
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1.4 GREEN SCHOOL
Split bamboo and bamboo tied to
support the roof throughout.
Central support system
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POETICS OF BAMBOO
Steel reinforcement helping the bamboo stand
with the help of grouting. Stone seperation
bamboo and ground.
Bamboo ends are
covered with cement
and lime.

Horizontal member resting on vertical member
with the help of fish mouth detail.
Members behaving
as supporting and
supported both.
Pins joining the
bamboo members
Section and
plan for a type of
beam and column
system.
GREEN SCHOOL
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POETICS OF BAMBOO

Chapter 2
GREEN VILLAGE
Green Village was founded by John Hardy and designed by his daughter Elora Hardy,
also the creative designer of the team Ibuku. Green village is a planned community
of bamboo structures, which are hand-constructed by the bamboo artisans of Bali.
There are about eighteen houses in the village and each house is custom designed
according to the client’s requirements and engineered to embody the inherent
strengths and versatility of bamboo. Out of the eighteen houses in the village,
Sunrise Villa and Garden Villa were the two houses that we observed closely.
The villas were surrounded by lush green forest and serenaded by the flowing river.
Every villa has its own private space that allows it to disconnect itself from the other
villas. A few villas go below the ground level and a few go above the ground level.
One villa comprises of at least two to three bedrooms, a living room, a dining area,
a woven bubble, a working space and a common seating area, which overlooks the
surroundings. On a larger scale, the main observation was how bamboo was used
in every possible place and in every possible way - from being used in structure,
cladding, services and home accessories.
GREEN VILLAGE
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2.1 SUNRISE VILLA
Two split bamboo bundles running
through columns supporting the
staircase.
Details
Secondary beams resting upon primary
beams, seperated by 2-3 bamboo spacer
pieces, in order to prevent unwanted
movement.
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Ways of supporting the floor with
different bamboo systems.
Bamboo members coming together
to form a system to support the floor.
Junction of roof members meeting at a
point ( 4 beams, 1 column)
GREEN VILLAGE
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2.2
BAMBOO STAIRCASE
Bamboo skeletons used as a support in railings and also
used as an enclosure in walls.
Bamboo treads supported on split
bamboo stringer beams.
Entire spiral staircase
taking support from a
single bamboo at the
centre.
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POETICS OF BAMBOO

System of
vertical and
split bamboo
supporting the
staircase and
the floor.
Split bamboo stringer beams
running throught the
staircase supporting the
treads.
Stringer beam
taking support
from the ground
through bamboo
and supporting the
treads.
GREEN VILLAGE
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POETICS OF BAMBOO

Chapter 3
P T BAMBOO
PT BAMBOO PURE is a large scale bamboo factory in Bali, where all the
bamboo used for construction is brought and then processed. The purpose
of visiting this factory was to know about bamboo from plantation to it’s
final product, which is then used for construction. This factory actually
satisfies you with a question that how a humble grass can serve multiple
purposes.
• PT Bamboo is the main source to get treated bamboo in Bali.
• The total no of available species is 160, out of which only 6 species
are used in major construction.
• Sizes are not standard and are customized depending on the need
or usage.
https://vicusarch.files.wordpress.com/2015/04/factory-1.gif
PT BAMBOO
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3.1 PROCESS
1. Harvesting
2. Sorting
3. Treatment
4. Washing
5. Drying
6. Cutting/ splitting
3.1.1 Harvesting
• Weight of bamboo depends on humidity content
• Maximum height of bamboo is 35m and diameter 20cm
• Bamboo grows in loamy or clayey soil which is yellowish brown in color.
• Diameter of bamboo becomes double when grown near river.
NODES
ROOTS
GROUND
YEAR 1: Grows upto its
maximum height
YEAR 2 : Wall thickness
grows
YEAR 3 : If cut before 3
years, it is vulnerable to
shrinkage
YEAR 4 : Attains maximum
height
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POETICS OF BAMBOO

3.1.2 Sorting
• Quality bamboo
-Quality bamboo is send for further treatment process which has been described below
• Rejected bamboo
-Infested Bamboo
-Cracked bamboo
-Deformed bamboo
-Shrinking & splitting
-Discolour bamboo
Deformed Bamboo Infested Bamboo Cracked Bamboo
Shrunk Bamboo
These rejected bamboos can serve some other purpose, other than construction.
e.g. - cracked bamboos are used for splits
- discolour and shrinked bamboos are used as thatch and many times for farming
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3.1.3 Treatment
• Bamboo is punctured manually using iron rods
throughout the nodes before soaking.
Bamboo used for main structural beam is
punctured near the nodes to create a channel
through which the boron solution can enter
the bamboo.
This is done to retain the strength of
bamboo.
90% water + 8-10% boron solution
Temp. 40-70 ˚C
Kept for 24 hours in hot water and 8
hours in cold water.
3.1.4 Power Washing
• After soaking, bamboo is subjected to power washing at 2500 psi pressure.
• Washing helps in getting rid of fungi and dust.
• Water can be reused for washing many bamboos.
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3.1.5 Drying Process
• Bamboo is placed vertically under the shed.
http://www.panyaden.ac.th/construction-blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0052.jpg
http://static1.squarespace.com/static/53407b1de4b05fdb12d8f4a7/t/
53552d1ae4b0e57158f86a26/1398091235358/drying-bamboo-poles.jpg
PT BAMBOO
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3.1.6 Working With Bamboo
• Cutting , splitting, drilling, moulding and puncturing a bamboo is done using customised tools and
machineries.
• For the ease of cutting and splitting, the direction along the grain is considered.
Crane:
To lift bamboo from boron solution and to keep it
vertical for drying.
Pressure Pump:
To power wash bamboo with water at
2500 psi.
Removes fungi.
Chain Saw:
For cutting and splitting.
Drill Machine:
To drill bamboo and its nodes.
Knife:
To remove skin of bamboo.
Making of dowels, pins of bamboo.
Hand Saw:
To cut bamboo.
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PT BAMBOO
43

SECTION II
UNDERSTANDING OF
TENSEGRITY
AND
HANDS-ON WORKING
WITH MATERIAL
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Chapter 1 Tensegrity...................................................................... 49
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Mock Up Model
1.3 Sequence Of Construction
For Making Of Tensegrity Structure
Chapter 2 Traditional Hut...............................................................77
2.1 Sequence Of Construction For Making Of Tree House
49
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78
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Chapter 1
TENSEGRITY
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7003/6563989147_76645c8c47_b.jpg
TENSEGRITY
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1.1.1 What Is Tensegrity?
Tensegrity is a structural principle based on components in compression inside a net of continuous tension, in such
a way that the compressed members (usually bars or struts) do not touch each other and the pre-stressed tensioned
members (usually cables or tendons) delineate the system spatially.
According to the experts of tensegrity,
1. “Tensegrity is a structural-relationship principle in which structural shape is guaranteed by the finitely closed,
comprehensively continuous, tensional behaviors of the system and not by the discontinuous and exclusively local
compressional member behaviours”.- Buckminster Fuller
Montreal biosphere, 1967
2. “Tensegrity describes a closed structural system composed of a set of three or more elongate compression struts
within a network of tension tendons, the combined parts mutually supportive in such a way that the struts do not touch
one another, but press outwardly against nodal points in the tension network to form a firm, triangulated, prestressed,
tension and compression unit.” - Kenneth Snelson
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POETICS OF BAMBOO

1.1.2 Basic Concept Of Tensegrity
The balloon can be referred as an example of tensegrity system because it uses the same working principle that
consists of two elements - the air as the compressed element and the balloon skin as tensile element.
In fact, a balloon doesn’t have a form that can be defined when the air inside doesn’t have the pressure towards the
outer skin. The more air that is inflated into the balloon; the skin of the balloon will be more depressed forming a
rounded shape. Same with Tensegrity, the tensile and compressed force that work will produce tension, wherein the
resultant = zero.
TENSEGRITY
49

1.1.3 History
The term Tensegrity was given by the American Architect, Engineer and Philosopher Richard Buckminster Fuller
(1895-1983). The term is basically a combination of two words i.e. ‘Tension’ and ‘Integrity’. This is a pre- stressed
system. He is known as the father of Tensegrity.
Firstly, Buckminster Fuller described his ideas in mathematical terms and then came Kenneth Snelson who started
making structures based on the concept of Tensegrity. Fuller registered a patent in 1959 and gained recognition in
1962. He also gave the name Tensile Integrity in the patent.
Types
1. Spherical Cell: When all cables can be mapped on a sphere without intersections between them, apart
from the nodes of the system, then the cable set is “homeomorphic” to a sphere.
2. Stars Cell: When some nodes perceive only two tensile elements and one struts and these 3 elements are
` coplanar.
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POETICS OF BAMBOO

1.1.4 Form Finding And Assembling
Form Finding
1. Form Controlled Model: Geometry Approach – This method does not concern to any criteria regarding the
regularity of the component, and the potential mechanism character – stability has been generated from the
geometry finding process and trials (trial and error) – the result is more unexpected.
2. Force Controlled Model: This method uses criteria structure mechanism – the result is more precise, regular,
but does not have too much variation, and took a little while process to generate a more complex form.
Assembling
The assembly system are grouped based arrangement, namely:
1. Uni-dimensional assemblies : the system is characterized by a major axis, which determine the whole geometry
2. Bi-dimensional assemblies : not only has a major axis, more complex, curved or double layer
TENSEGRITY
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POETICS OF BAMBOO

1.2 MOCK UP MODEL
TENSEGRITY
53

1.2.1 Tensegrity Miniature Model Construction
Materials and tools required for making of a Tensegrity fullerene
Step 1
Step 2
• Prepare 30 stems of bamboo (skewers) size->15cm
• Mark 1.5cm from the tip of the bamboo (on both sides, i.e. at both the ends)
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POETICS OF BAMBOO

Step 3
• Paste the tape under the mark and then split the bamboo along 1.5cm from the top of the bamboo.
Step 4
• Cut threads of size 13cm (why 13cm? – after decreasing 1.5cm on the ends we will get 12cm stick,
and the thread must be 1cm more than the net length of the stick.)
TENSEGRITY
55

Step 5 • Tying the thread on the stick…
1. Tie the thread inside the split of bamboo
2. Rotate the thread for 1.5 times and then pass the thread from the split again.
3. Then glue the thread on that side.
4. Then make a mark at 13cm on that thread.
5. Place that mark inside the split at another end.
6. Repeat the same process and glue it at last.
7. {prepare 30 sticks with same process}
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POETICS OF BAMBOO

Step 6
• 1. Making Of Pentagon
-Connect the split of 1st bamboo to the thread of adjacent bamboo in clockwise direction.
-Similarly connect all five sticks (make sure that the sides of pentagon are equal.)
• 2. Making Of Triangles
-Take another five bamboo sticks and start joining their ends. i.e. start adding sticks from one
end of each extended stick to the mid-point of adjacent stick and so on for other 5 triangles that
will be formed.
TENSEGRITY
57

• 3. Forming 5 Pentagons
- Add the perpendicular bamboo sticks at the midpoint of the sticks forming triangles.
- Again take another set of sticks from the perpendicular’s one and extend it or pass it through the end of
other stick.
- Hence 5 pentagons would again be formed.
- Formation of another ring of triangles
The bamboo at the periphery of the structure connects the next members in the anticlockwise direction to form
triangles.
- Again 5 triangles are formed. (Till now 25 sticks are used out of 30)
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POETICS OF BAMBOO

Step 7 • Formation of fullerene
• Invert the structure and add the last 5 bamboo sticks making last 5 pentagons.
TENSEGRITY
59

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POETICS OF BAMBOO

1.3 SEQUENCE OF CONSTRUCTION FOR MAKING
OF TENSEGRITY STRUCTURE
TENSEGRITY
61

1.3.1 Preparing Bamboos
• Sorting Of Bamboo
Sorting of bamboo was done on the following basis:
1. Straight bamboo
2. One way bending
3. Two way bending
• Cutting Of Bamboo
-Straight bamboos are more preferable for any sort of structure.
-Mark 3.4 meters from one edge of the bamboo, then cut it with a handsaw.
• Marking On Bamboo
-Mark 20cm from both the ends of bamboo, then drill the marks and insert the metal ring.
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POETICS OF BAMBOO

• Drilling The Bamboo And Inserting The Metal Ring
-As mentioned above, drill through the bamboo at the 20cm mark on both the sides.
NOTE: The diameter of bamboo is 10cm, and the diameter of metal ring is 15cm.)
-For holding the bamboo and metal ring together, insert the THREAD ROD of length
20cm.
-Drill both the adjacent sides through the metal ring, and then insert two 10cm thread rods on
both the sides.
• Bolting
-Insert washer and bolt at both ends of the 20cm thread rod to tighten it with the metal ring.
For both the adjacent thread rods, insert washer and bolt on the two sides of the metal ring, as the rods
only goes halfway through the bamboo.
TENSEGRITY
63

• Horse Shoe Clamp
-After drilling and bolting, insert horseshoe clamp on opposite sides of the metal ring for attaching the clutch
wires.(Four horseshoe clamps are used in one bamboo)
• Marking On The Loop
-From the loop of clutch wire, mark 4.3m and cut it with a wire cutter.
(Hence a 4.3m long cable is formed) (Cut 30 cables)
• Taping The Wire
-Use a black tape to wrap the marked points, so that the wire does not split.
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POETICS OF BAMBOO

• Marking On Wire
On 4.3m clutch wire, mark 15cm and then 37.5cm on both the ends.
• Attaching The Clutch Wire With Horse Clamp
-Pass the clutch wire through the horseshoe clamp keeping the mark (37.5) in the centre and tighten it with
two U-clamps. Make sure that the direction of u-clamp is from shorter cable to longer cable. Fix one u-clamp
at the edge of the shorter cable (i.e. near the tape) and other near the horseshoe clamp.
Then tie the clutch wire on both sides of bamboo, keeping horseshoe in parallel direction.
FINAL PRODUCT (30 BAMBOO WITH TIED CLUTCH WIRE, READY TO MAKE STRUCTURE)
TENSEGRITY
65

1.3.2 Making Of Tensegrity Structure
Step 1 • Start numbering the bamboos i.e. number each bamboo (1,2,3,4…30)
• Take five bamboos and arrange them in the shape of a pentagon.
• Mark 92.5cm on the clutch cable and then connect the string by making a knot. Make
sure the mark is at the center (top to top) of 1 to 2 as marked on the string.
• This knot is placed in the horseshoe clamp of proceeding numbered bamboo.
• Similarly have 2 to 3, 3 to 4, 4 to 5 and 5 to 1.
Hence a uniform pentagon will be formed (in which one end of each bamboo would be up
and another below the proceeding bamboo)
(pentagon will be formed in clockwise direction)
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POETICS OF BAMBOO

POINTS TO BE NOTED
1. You need to shift the bamboos while tying them.
2. Cable of newer member goes in the clamp of existing member (bamboo) at one end.
Step 2
• Similarly, mark both the sides of the string (i.e. at 92.5cm) join other five bamboos i.e. no 6 to 10.
• Five triangles would be formed in the anti-clockwise direction.
• 1st triangle would be formed by no6 bamboo whose one end would go above no1 bamboo and below
no2 bamboo.
• Similarly form triangles with no 7,8,9 and 10 bamboos.
TENSEGRITY
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Step 3
• Now perpendiculars are to be formed (i.e. from no 11 to 15) on those bamboos, which have formed
triangles. (I.e. on no 6 to 10)
• Place No11 bamboo perpendicularly at the mid-point of no6 bamboo. (Making a knot and keeping the
mark at the center of no6 bamboo’s clutch wire tie i.e. those two bamboos)
• Repeat the same for the other four proceeding bamboos.
Step 4 •
•
Next 5 bamboos will form a set of five pentagons. (No 16 to 20)
No 16 will go above 11 and below 10.
NOTE
-Each bamboo has a mark at 92.5cm on the clutch wire, and that is the point at which the clutch wire
gets connected to another bamboo’s horseshoe clamp, with the help of a u-clamp.
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ASSEMBLY
TENSEGRITY
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Chapter 2
TRADITIONAL HUT
TRADITIONAL HUT
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2.1 SEQUENCE OF CONSTRUCTION FOR MAKING OF TREE HOUSE
2.1.1 Site Visit
The main aim of the design was to create a user friendly space considering the existing tree. One of the restrains
was to keep the space limited till a certain length as we did not want it to overlap the path. The other restrain was
to not harm the tree by drilling or any other means.
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Design Development: Evolving from a square planned “Traditional Indonesian Hut” to a radial planned semi-open
space. The design decisions were taken considering the existing tree, which led to different ideas. The elements of
the design are columns, beams, roof and floor. Working with the site context and the design suggestions, we came
up with a design through summing up of the ideas. The idea kept on refining till the final product.
2.1.2 Mock-Up Model
Ideas were resolved through the miniature model. It was made from cane sticks. Dimensions were derived with the
help of anthropometry.
Evolution of traditional hut to the tree house
TRADITIONAL HUT
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2.1.3 Sequence Of Construction
Step 1: Firstly we began with clearing the land and sorting the bamboos. Then four bamboos with wall thickness
of 6mm were attached to the existing tree. The bamboos were tied to the tree using a rope as we were not to drill
the tree in order to fix the bamboos or damage the roots for foundations.
Sorting of Bamboo.
Marking at 400cm and 130cm and cutting them.
Marking at 50cm and cutting them.
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POETICS OF BAMBOO

Step 2: The dimensioning of the major beams was from the mock up model that was made. In order to support the
floor beams which were 1.3 meters in length an additional members of length 0.5 meters were vertically attached
to the bamboos tied to the tree.
Bamboo member was added to
support the floor beams.
Elevation
TRADITIONAL HUT
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Step 3: The main floor beams were attached to the vertical bamboos by bamboo pins which were 8 to 10 mm thick
in diameter and hand made with bamboo splits leaving a rectangular edge at the end in order to fix firmly.
• Inserting a knife in order to split
the bamboo.
• splitting the bamboo further into smaller
sections.
• shaping the split section with a knife
leaving a rectangular edge.
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Step 4: The main floor beams were then diagonally braced and were grouted. The angle was derived by trial and
error as the land was steep and uneven further the floor beams were braced horizontally. To support the major
floor beams additional members of length 0.5 meters were attached to the diagonal members.
Elevation
Plan
TRADITIONAL HUT
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Elevation
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POETICS OF BAMBOO

Step 5: To have a floor, secondary floor beams were introduced below the primary floor beams. Other horizontal
members, having more than 30 cm extension placed on floor beam in order to get firm floor to sit and rest
Bracings added in
order to support
the secondary floor
members (PLAN)
Secondary floor
members added.
(PLAN)
TRADITIONAL HUT
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Step 6: In order to firmly secure the bamboo to the ground as the soil was loose, stones were stacked
instead of foundation.
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Step 7: Next, the main columns were attached. The angle of it was derived by tying a rope at the top of the column
and by stretching it to a point on the floor which had an extension of 30cm, in term making a straight line. The
angulations of the columns was supported by vertical bamboo scaffolding.
TRADITIONAL HUT
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Step 8: In order to attach the rafters a curved beam was made out of bamboo trough slits in it. Then the curved
beam was attached to the vertical bamboos, further rafters were attached to the curved beam, and were rested on
the incline column.
Compression ring added in order to support the rafters
Plan
Elevation
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POETICS OF BAMBOO

Step 9: The rafters were attached to the inclined columns. Further roof beams were introduced between the two
inclined columns and rafters were attached to it. Splits of bamboo were then attached to the rafters in order to
connect the rafters for roofing.
TRADITIONAL HUT
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Step 10: Next bracing was done between the roof beams in order to prevent radial movement.
Step 11: Lastly thatch was tied with bamboo rope to the rafter in a stacking manner with equal spacing between the two.
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The whole sequence of construction was merely smooth. But a failure led to complications. This resulted in addition of more
supporting elements to the structure which was decided on site. The cause of the failure was splitting of one the main bamboo
members due to overloading, which was then replaced and further more vertical supports were added to avoid the same. We
cultivated a learning that “Bamboo structures never collapse they deform.”
TRADITIONAL HUT
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What...How....Why...?
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1. Treatment
2. Making of Holes in
Bamboo to let boron
enter into it
3. Types of Bamboo
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3
There are 160 species of bamboo found in Indonesia out
of which 6 types of bamboo are used for construction.
The structure of the school and village was built with
three different types of bamboo : Petung, Tali, Duri.
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4
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4. Making of miniature
model
5. Purposeful use of
bamboo
5
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6
6. Thatch roof
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7 8
7. Foundation detail
8. Beam Detail
9. Truss detail
9
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10
10. Furniture
11. Multistorey
structure
12. Form
13. Joineries
14. Bridges
11 13
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POETICS OF BAMBOO
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http://media.treehugger.com/assets/images/2012/10/
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15 16
The use of bamboo for foundation is rather restricted. this is mainly
due to the fact that like timber when in contact to with the damp ground,
thehy deteriorate and decay very quickly unless treated with some very
effectve preservative.
However, in spite of their short life considerable use of bamboos is
made as foundation or supporting posts in case of houses built in raised
platforms. The types of bamboo foundations identified are :
a) Bamboo in direct ground contact
b) Bamboo on rock or performed concrete footings
c) Composite bamboo/ concrete columns
d) Bamboo piles
17
18
15. Multiple Bamboo in
one foundation
16. Single Bamboo in one
foundation
17. Foundation from bottom
18. Bent Beam
19. Heating of Bamboo
using heatgun
19
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Out of certain factors to which bamboo respond climatically, one of them is
LIGHT. Due to which, bamboo structures have long overhungs. The reason
behind is to prevent bamboo from receiving direct sunlight upto it’s lowest
part that is till the foundation. If not done, the probability of failure of the
structure increases as bamboo starts decaying.
INSECTS are also a part of surrounding which may ruin the entire bamboo.
Prevention to this is a boron treatment.
Windward direction
20 21
20. Plate inside bamboo
resists it from bending
during strong winds
21. Overhung
22. Parts of Bamboo
WIND is the second most common factors affecting bamboo climatically.
It may disturb the structure in it’s extreme conditions. To resist that, a plate
inside the bottom part of bamboo is kept opposite to windward direction.
Also side and size of overhung may change accordingly. Wind also forces us
to decide the height and number of bamboos to be used for the respective
structure.
Bamboos can be of diameter from
5cm to 20cm and lenght upto 35m.
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Bamboo is a very complex material and many things
affect it like:
1) Direction
2) Moisture content (MC%)
3) Diameter
4) Wall thickness
5) Distance to node
6) Height
7) Age
8) Species
23 24
23. Bamboo lamp
24. Bamboo toilet
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Maximum life span of bamboo is 5 years where bamboo is
being employed as a primary material. It can extend upto a year
more if it is treated properly.
Bamboo are evergreen tree like
grasses with woody stems as the
growth of bamboo depends on
local condition of the site and
behave different than other if
grown in inaadequate climate
TRIAL AND ERROR method
is the quickest method of
bamboo construction because
joineries of different junctions
are decided on site as bamboo
sizes and properties may vary .
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The principle of tension and compression don’t
apply commonly to all bamboo species. It
varies from species to species.
Type of Bamboo :
DENDRIOCALAMUS ASPER
Part of bamboo :
Horizontal Part - TENSION
Vertical Part - COMPRESSION
Bamboo is stored under a shed
during construction away from
direct sunlight. Treated bamboo
is transported to the site through
trucks.
25
25. Transportation
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