With the Global warming issues raging the globe, and the construction sector a major contributor, scientists across the globe are looking towards low energy, resource efficient building materials and technologies for solving the problem of keeping the pace of development without further raising the carbon levels.
It is in view of these facts, the world has started looking for sustainable materials like BAMBOO as a viable solution for the building sector. Bamboo is now being hailed as the future sustainable material through research, development, and usage across the globe.
Kouk Khleang Youth Center – Komitu Architects
Located in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, the youth center is operated by two Cambodian organizations, namely – Cambodian Volunteers for Society (CVS) and Khmer Kampuchea Krom for Human Rights and Development Association (KKKHRDA). It was a result of cooperation between these two bodies and Komitu Architects (a group of young Finnish Architects).
The youth center includes:
• educational spaces as well as
• spaces for meetings, recreational activities and
• accommodation for poor students.
Community participation through workshops ensured a building which is both functional and a symbol of their power. Local students and architecture and engineering professionals were also involved in the project through workshops, lectures and site visits. This led to one of the greatest achievements of the project: a local NGO (UPDF) realized a community center in bamboo and organized bamboo training sessions for a network of community builders throughout Cambodia.
Characteristic Features:
• The material choices and construction techniques used in the building have been based on sustainability and cultural understanding.
• Main materials used in the building are bamboo, compressed earth brick, and recycled plastic bottles.
• The main load-bearing structure of the building is a concrete frame – filled with locally produced Earth Blocks.
• Rainwater harvesting provision on site and ground floor is raised to prevent it from flooding.
• The Bamboo Screens protect the terraces from excess heat while letting the light and air through making the terrace areas pleasant.
• The dynamic play of Bamboo beams and columns, the oblique orientation of the building and changing roof shape give the building its character.
