Bamboo Challenge

Join the Bamboo Challenge and build the pavilion of the future!

Can bamboo become the sustainable building material of the future? Bamboo is the perfect natural building material. It is abundant, the plant can grow up to one meter a day and when harvested, it simply grows on without having to be replanted. Not to mention that it is two to three times stronger than steel (in tensile strength).

However, bamboo’s benefits are greater than just as a construction material. In many parts of the world, bamboo is readily available, inexhaustible and, compared to other building materials, relatively cheap. While growing, the plant releases almost 35% more oxygen and absorbs almost 35% more carbon dioxide than most trees. In addition, bamboo canes can be reused several times in other applications.

However, few designers have explored the untapped potential of this plant as a material with special architectural possibilities. Therefore, we challenge students to explore the potential of this sustainable building material.

Why the challenge with bamboo?

• Introducing students to perhaps the most sustainable natural building material. In this changing world where building materials are becoming scarcer and more thought needs to be given to preserving the planet, bamboo could be the solution for the future. We challenge students to explore the untapped potential of this plant as a building material with extraordinary architectural possibilities.
• It is a chance to show your passion for sustainable building and inspire the world with the power of bamboo.
• From the construction industry, CB5 & Antea Group are seeing more and more timber construction.

General information

Registration
The application period for this design competition runs until 16 April via the following link: https://forms.gle/ykmHc3bfL7yFQScm8 or by using the button underneath this text. You can apply as a group or as an individual (after which a group will be formed). Groups of 4 to 6 participants is desirable.

Assignment
The assignment is to design and build a pavilion or follie using bamboo as a building material. All design methods may be used (such as parametric design).
In addition, the proposal may include arrangements for reusing the bamboo canes after the event (donation, house building, clothing, utensils, etc.).

Participants
TU/e students

Building material
A package with various sizes of bamboo sticks and various fasteners will be provided per group. The specifications of these sticks will be explained in a presentation on 13 March. They can be found here.

Design period
12 March to 22 April

Event
23 April at the Koeveld TU/e in Eindhoven

Schedule
The joint design of the pavilion/follie will be organised by the groups themselves. On 23 April, all supplies including bamboo poles will be present at the event location (Koeveld TU/e). On the same day, the design will be put together and finally judged by a jury.
Afterwards, the structures will be temporarily exhibited at the event location, after which they will be donated as a whole or as materials to a charity (see assignment).

Prize
The winning student group will receive an amazing prize of €1000!

The activity is fully booked! We’re working on securing additional spots for more teams. If registration reopens, we’ll keep you informed. In the meantime, you can join the waiting list using the button below. Individual registrations remain open—you’ll be placed in existing teams.