DOST-FPRDI fabricates bamboo shelter prototype

LOS BAÑOS, Laguna – Government researchers here have designed and fabricated a prototype of a low-cost multi-purpose bamboo shelter.

The prototype was the result of a study done by researchers of the Los Baños-based Department of Science and Technology-Forest Products Research and Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI).

Titled "Design and construction of a prefabricated multi-purpose bamboo shelter," the research was undertaken by Dr. F.P. Soriano, A.C. Manalo, and C.A. Briñas. It aimed to support the government’s organized self-help housing program through the mass fabrication of bamboo shelters.

The prototype is made of bamboo, lumber, and runo ( a grass similar to but bigger than the "talahib" and whose stem is like that of bamboo).

The researchers made use of prefabricated/engineered bamboo components where climatic design in bamboo construction was given importance.

Results of the research showed that prefabricated bamboo components, in contrast to in situ (in the natural or original position) construction, reduced construction cost by allowing more rigid selection of quality bamboo culms to be used in the most appropriate applications.

"Prefabrication lent itself favorably to mass production of house components, resulting in reduced wastage and reduction in material cost by 15-20 percent," the FPRDI researchers said.

When standard bamboo components were produced, house owners were able to conceptualize their own design using interchangeable components that suited their individual requirements.

Climate was the most important factor for human comfort, life span, and structural safety of bamboo shelters, the researchers pointed out.

Thus, they recommended that bamboo houses comform with certain climatic considerations.

They averred that organized self-help bamboo housing may improve the quality of bamboo houses by facilitating supervision and upgrading construction skills without any cost.

"It may promote enhancement and organization of the bamboo resources and development of other basic needs such as service facilities of the community," they concluded.