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Bamboo Housing SAINT VAL LaurentThese towering vertical <a href="http://inhabitat.com/unique-bamboo-living-pod-concept-is-a-study-in-disaster-proof-design/">bamboo houses</a> caught our eye with their impressive mix of natural and renewable materials with high tech engineering and design. Designed by <a href="http://www.archiportale.com/progetti/saint-val-laurent/haiti/bamboo-housing_35991.html" target="_blank">Saint Val Architect</a>, Bamboo Housing is an exploration into a new housing typology that breaks out of the box of traditional square homes. <a href="http://inhabitat.com/index.php?s=bamboo">Bamboo</a> poles and metal joints form the frame of the five story home with living quarters accessed by a central spiral staircase. We're intrigued by the concept, which is both primitive looking and high tech.1
Bamboo Housing SAINT VAL LaurentBamboo poles are connected together with high tech metal "X" joints to create the exoskeleton of the home.2
Bamboo Housing SAINT VAL LaurentRound platforms serve as the floors, which are accessed by a circular staircase that wraps around a central support member.3
Bamboo Housing SAINT VAL LaurentWooden slats and glass panels curve up the exterior in a double helix to let in light and encourage ventilation.4
Bamboo Housing SAINT VAL LaurentFinally the whole structure is wrapped in canvas to seal the inside in.5
Bamboo Housing SAINT VAL LaurentThe ground floor serves as the entrance and contains a bathroom and small kitchen and the next three floors are used as bedrooms. Finally the top floor helps distribute heat up and out and serves as extra living space.6
Bamboo Housing SAINT VAL LaurentSaint Val Laurent Architect designed the woven vertical residence for Port au Prince, Haiti to aid in the rebuilding efforts with the intention of using local sourced materials.7
Bamboo Housing SAINT VAL LaurentThe design was inspired by traditional basket weaving and using natural plant fibers from the local habitat to mold a cocoon shape.8
Bamboo Housing SAINT VAL LaurentDetail of the metal bamboo joint.9
Bamboo Housing SAINT VAL LaurentDetail of how the joints and bamboo poles work together to create the exoskeleton.10
Bamboo Housing SAINT VAL LaurentBamboo joints in action.11
Bamboo Housing SAINT VAL LaurentWhile we're not certain if this is the best fit for Haiti as it is far from their local vernacular, we applaud the concept in general and look forward to seeing one built.12
