Synopsis
Bamboo has been used for thousands of years for housing in many areas of the world because of its strength, availability, fast growth and low cost. However, durability has demoted its modern position to a poor man's building material. This paper looks at engineered bamboo houses that have become popular in Latin America, and assesses them for their suitability for low-cost housing. Three highly seismic countries in Latin America– Costa Rica, Colombia and Ecuador – were visited and modern engineered bamboo low-cost housing projects reviewed. Visual inspections and interviews were conducted to determine the condition of the houses and the attitudes of their occupants. This paper suggests that well engineered bamboo designs have significant potential as a cheap, sustainable, durable, seismically resistant and appropriate form of low-cost housing. However, good design and detailing is essential, especially with respect to durability, maintenance and seismic resistance.