Practical hands-on bamboo build training in Bali:
We are excited to announce the course schedule for our 3 Month program running from May 11th to July 31 over 50 workshop days.
Our 3 month bamboo building program goes deep into hands-on techniques, design and approaches to building with bamboo.
This year, we are further developing our Roundhouse hyperbolid eco-tourism design prototype for affordable efficient bamboo building.
This design is part of our mission to develop building styles suitable for the African/remote bamboo context/s where full workshop facilites and equipment may not be available and is being co-developed by Jaye Irving – lead trainer of our Bamboo4Africa programs.
The design we will be building through this year’s program is based on a hyperboloid upon which the main structure is elevated on a 7m diameter ring beam made of thick splits of giant bamboo. The ring beam not only acts as the supporting base for both the floor and the roof structure but also locks the diameter of the hyperboloid, ensuring structural integrity and stability. During last year’s 3 month program we built a 5m diameter ring beam structure (pictured above). Having a 7m ring beam will significantly increase the floor area and enable the design to incorporate 2 bedroom spaces in the upstairs.
We’ll explore a variety of alternative designs for the main structure that offer options for the design to be fully enclosed with simple yet effective craftsmanship. This approach allows for integration with modern materials and can be applied for/to various eco-tourism settings or domestic designs. Architects, owner-builders, laypeople and carpenters alike can GET the methods and also contribute their skills/perspectives.
Bali is known for the masterful techniques of bending bamboo and creating curved structures and open designs, which have become a hallmark of the island’s rich architectural heritage. These techniques draw on centuries of tradition, combined with more modern research and integration with engineered products and tools – showcasing the unique flexibility and strength of bamboo as a sustainable building material.
Our programs not only cover the fundamental principles behind these methods but also delve into the artistry and practical skills involved in creating these structures. The opportunity to have have hands-on experience building each step of the structure, learning from skilled artisans, is aimed to give participants a well-rounded practical and theoretic understanding of bamboo building which can then be applied to their own designs.
We begin on May 11 and offer payment plans if you are unable to pay the whole amount up-front. The program runs Monday to Friday – 9am to 4.30pm – 5 weeks on, two weeks off (for Gallungan ceremony 15-28 July) and 5 weeks on again.
More about Jaye: Our very special guest this year – Jaye Irving (Canandian/Australian Architect and Permaculture Designer and Practicioner), is joining us to co- teach this year’s program. The program will combine Jaye’s comprehensive 25 year knowledge and experience of bamboo with the specialised techniques of our local Balinese carpenters and builders.
Jaye has built with bamboo all over the world – from the wildest regions of Peru-amazonia, to Ireland, Portugal, India, Northern NSW (where he resides) and to the municipality of Brisbane. From towering 35m high festival structures, to an engineered bamboo “cottage”, dodecahedron cabins, statement-installations and a bus stop… His designs and knowledge, based on “Columbian” solid forms and techniques combined with his own ideas and experimentation over the years, express a uniquness and set a benchmark in bamboo building fit to inspire and convey bamboo’s potential as a sustainable construction material to others wanting to find their way with bamboo.
Hear more about what Jaye has to say about bamboo and bamboo design (from our Bamboo4Africa program in Kenya last year): https://youtu.be/5-f7h3HkceQ?si=HzAGSyKwR7jtI1a9
Jaye Irving – Barefoot Sustainable Design (Australia)
Graduates from our 3 week and 3 month programs can join as assistants and assistant teachers on our upcoming programs in Africa – where we aim to bring affordable bamboo techniques to the village level, fostering sustainable construction methods that empower local artisans. This initiative is designed to enable more people to learn and utilize traditional skills and level-up local livelihoods, enhancing economic stability within these communities.
The 3 week and 3 month program will take place in Belega – Bali, in the Gianyar region near to Ubud, a little off the tourist track in a modern local village. Accommodation is not included in the course price and there are various local options to choose from depending on your budget. We are 20 minutes to Keramas beach, 70 minutes from Kuta/Seminyak, 60 minutes from Canggu and 90 minutes from the Denpasar (Ngurah Rai) airport.
If you’re interested to join, please fill out the form above and we will be in touch.
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