Agritecture - Vietnam Bamboo with The University of Tasmania

AGRITECTURE vietnam bamboo UNIVERSITY OF TASMANIA collaborative design research June 2017 - January 2018

vietnam bamboo

AGRITECTURE report March 2018 Dr Helen Norrie School of Technology, Environments & Design University of Tasmania

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AGRITECTURE | VIETNAM BAMBOO is a collaboration between the Architecture & Design Discipline of the School of Technology, Environments & Design (TED) at the University of Tasmania (UTAS) and Sydney-based architects and bamboo specialists Cave Urban, working directly with project collaborators in Vietnam.

AGRITECTURE explores the merging of agriculture and architecture, investigating the relationship between buildings and places through cross-disciplinary, collaborative research projects.

The project is developed through a series of design research studios with architecture, landscape architecture and agricultural science students and staff from universities in Australia + Vietnam.

A grant from the UTAS Global Connections Fund enabled the establishment of the project.

Ongoing field research and workshops in Vietnam are funded through the Australian Government New Colombo Plan.

vietnam bamboo

AGRITECTURE | VIETNAM BAMBOO is developed and led by + Dr Helen Norrie UTAS | Architecture & Design | School of TED + Jed Long Cave Urban, Sydney | architects collaborating with bamboo architecture and agriculture experts: + Phu An Bamboo Conservation Village, HCMC

Dr Diep Thi My Hanh + 1+1>2 Architecture, Hanoi

Mr Hoang Thuc Hao + TIA Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (UTAS)

Dr Rowan Smith Field research and workshops in Vietnam involve the UTAS team working with students and staff from Vietnamese universities.

Two workshops were undertaken in June/July 2017 + January 2018, collaborating with: + NUCE National University of Civil + Engineering + HAU Hanoi University of Architecture + UAH HCMC University of Architecture + HUAF Hue University of Agriculture and Forestry + DUT Danang University of Science & Technology Two workshops are planned for 2108, in June/July + November, extending collaboration with UAH, HAU, NUCE to include: + VNUF Vietnam National University of Forestry + TUAF Thai Nguyen University of Agriculture and Forestry

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AGRITECTURE | VIETNAM BAMBOO undertakes research that spans the fields of architecture and agriculture, exploring the potential role of bamboo in the environmental and economic ecology of rural and regional communities in Vietnam. This cross-disciplinary project:

+ Develops an understanding of the relationship between bamboo as a building material and as part of an ecological and economic supply chain, through a series of design research projects with communities in Vietnam.

+ Explores the localized cultivation of bamboo as a low maintenance and secure income-producing alternative to existing cash crops. Future projects will explore strategic planting strategies to reduce the effects of mono-cultural farming practices and investigate the potential of bamboo as an agent of biodiversity, and environmental and economic development.

+ Develops the design of prototypes for community buildings, drawing on vernacular traditions to develop new hybrid methods of construction for low tech structures that can be constructed in local communities with unskilled labour.

Research into bamboo buildings draws on local knowledge and international best practice.

Design research into bamboo buildings draws on an understanding of vernacular techniques, to develop new construction techniques and forms to suit contemporary conditions.

Developing projects with regional communities engages with diverse aspects of cultural and environmental context.

vietnam bamboo BACKGROUND | CONTEXT Like many developing countries, Vietnam faces a diverse array of opportunities and challenges. The introduction of the Doi Moi policy in 1986 transformed the country from a centrally planned economy to a market-oriented one. In a single generation, rapid urbanisation has transformed Vietnam from a rural-based economy to an increasingly globalised economy.

In 30 years, Vietnam shifted from one of the poorest countries in the world (1986 average income US $100) to a lower middle-class economy (2016 average income US $2000 in rural areas and US $4000 in urban areas).1 Urbanization and the increased scale of agricultural and industrial production present new economic opportunities for Vietnam, which need to be understood in relation to the broader environmental and economic ecology of the country.

While much of the economic transformation is focused on the rapidly expanding cities, two-thirds of Vietnam’s population live in rural areas, where the poverty rate is 22%.2 Many regional and rural settlements are remote and dislocated from other population centres, and present opportunities for new modes of thinking about the economic and environmental ecology of these places.

Poverty levels present ongoing challenges; the density of poverty is inverse to population density, with the poorest people occupying the least populated areas. Food security and lack of nutrition is a key issue in these areas, and this is directly related to agricultural productivity. Health, education and employment also need to be addressed in order to support regional development and prosperity.

1 https://thediplomat.com/2016/02/good-morning-future-wealth-vietnam/ accessed 4 March, 2018 2 Pham, A.T.Q.; Mukhopadhaya, P. 2017. Measurement of Poverty in Multiple Dimensions: The Case of Vietnam. Social Indicators Research, pp. 3.

Vietnam faces various imminent environmental issues that are the result of both global events and local practices. Soil degradation, erosion and reduced biodiversity caused by deforestation and monocultural farming practices add to the future problems of climate change, which include rising sea levels and increased extreme weather conditions. These issues will strongly impact on regional and rural communities.

AGRITECTURE | VIETNAM BAMBOO considers the potential role of bamboo in the environmental and economic ecology of regional and rural communities in Vietnam. It explores the localized cultivation of bamboo as a low maintenance and secure income-producing alternative to existing cash crops, examining how strategic planting strategies can reduce the effects of mono-cultural farming practices. It also explores the design of prototypes for community buildings, drawing on vernacular traditions to develop new hybrid methods of construction for low tech structures that can be constructed in local communities with unskilled labour.

BAMBOO CULTIVATION | environmental and ecological economies The rapid growth of bamboo allows it to be harvested within two to three years, producing a crop that can be utilized locally or sold as raw material. Bamboo is a more readily renewable resource than other building materials, like timber and concrete. The development of engineered bamboo products has diversified its potential as a resource, offering opportunities for regional communities to both cultivate raw bamboo for sale and to engage with the preliminary stages of processing. As a food source, bamboo is nutrient rich, offering high amounts of protein, vitamins, carbohydrates and minerals.3 It also has medicinal benefits: treating paralysis, preventing cardiovascular disease and acting as an antiviral and antibacterial.4

3 Chongtham, N.; Bisht, M. S.; Haorongbam, S. 2011. Nutritional Properties of Bamboo Shoots: Potential and Prospects for Utilization as Health Food. Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety, 10, pp. 153.

4 Basumatary, A.; Middha, S.K.; Usha, T.; Basumatary, A.K.; Brahma1, B.K.; Arvind Kumar Goyal, A.K. 2017. Bamboo Shoots as a Nutritive Boon for Northeast India: an Overview, 3 Biotech, 7(169), pp. 6.

In some parts of Vietnam mass-cultivation of bamboo for local processing and international export has become a core economic strategy. However, the negative effects of large-scale production are increasingly being recognized, particularly problems of environmental degradation due to biodiversity and watershed.

Alternative cultivation methods for bamboo present opportunities to address environmental rehabilitation, with strategic planting assisting with erosion and biodiversity in mono-cultural plantations.

BAMBOO AGRITECTURE | case study International examples provide evidence of the transformative potential of bamboo cultivation in local communities. In India, the International Network for Bamboo and Rattan (INBAR) and Indian NGO Utthan have worked to restore soil quality in Allahabad since 1996. This has resulted in a decrease in the pH level of the soil and an increase in the carbon content, phosphorous levels, micronutrients in the soil. The water table has also risen and there has been an increase in the number and diversity of crops being produced in the region annually. Bamboo planting has also decreased the wind levels and the temperature, which has in turn increased birds and wildlife. Bamboo is used as a constant supply of fuel, powering refrigerators which store food and vaccines.

This has assisted in the decrease in infectious diseases, leading to a reduction in child and maternal mortality rates. Training programmes have resulted in an increase in skills, allowing the construction of schools, which is in turn leading to an increase in educational attainment.5 BAMBOO BUILDINGS | cultural identity As Vietnam changes economically and environmentally, it also transforms culturally and this is reflected through the way that settlements, towns and cities are developed. Rapid urbanization and technological developments transform agricultural and industrial practices, altering land-use, transportation and land management.

In towns and cities, buildings and urban spaces are becoming increasingly more ‘international’ rather than identifiably local.

5 Benton, A.; 2014. Greening Red Earth: Restoring landscapes, rebuilding lives. INBAR Working Paper No. 76, pp. 16-17.

agritecture Within this ever-changing context, there are attempts to maintain connections to the increasingly fading remnants of Vietnam’s built cultural heritage. Bamboo, commonly regarded as a ‘poor man’s material,’ has emerged as a symbol of Vietnamese culture, offering new directions for contemporary architecture.

Traditionally in Vietnam, bamboo was used as one of a number of materials in hybrid building construction processes, along with hardwood timber, wattle and daub-like stucco, masonry and thatch of various types. Bamboo was both structural and decorative; used as roof framing, flooring and wall cladding, as well as for utensils and furniture. Bamboo used in contemporary buildings is more likely to be processed, used for flooring, paneling and furnishings, while raw bamboo is mainly used for furniture and other household objects.

BAMBOO ARCHITECTURE | contemporary vernacular Bamboo in contemporary architecture spans the gamut from hightech to low-skill in interesting ways that extend and transform cultural traditions. It has become a part of a new contemporary architectural vernacular, following two contrasting trends:

+ The expressive buildings of Vo Trong Nghia Architects invite associations with vernacular traditions, forming part of a narrative of nostalgia for the traditional life of the ‘homeland. However, these buildings employ complex, non-traditional high-tech construction techniques, using curved bundle beams to create iconic forms.

+ In contrast, Hoang Thuc Hao and the team at 1+1>2 explore simpler, low-tech techniques, designing hybrid bamboo and masonry structures in a sseries of buildings for regional communities, creating new forms that draw on and extend vernacular traditions.

AGRITECTURE | VIETNAM BAMBOO draws on vernacular traditions and contemporary architectural ideas and practices, developing small scale buildings, which provide prototypes for self-build, lowcost structures for domestic, agricultural, industrial + cultural uses.

agritecture DESIGN BUILD | ENGAGING WITH COMMUNITIES A series of field trips in Vietnam expand bamboo research, engaging directly with local communities, bamboo masters and academics.

Two trips have been undertaken, with funding for another two visits and plans to apply for ongoing funding Teams from UTAS with 11-18 students and 2-4 staff participated in 3-4 week traveling research projects, visiting a range of sites, working with staff and students from local Vietnamese universities.

Each project culminated with a design + build exercise, developing prototypes for community buildings. Projects focused on the potential of bamboo for constructing low tech buildings that used low skill labour, and could be either temporary or more permanent.

TRIP 01 CATTLE SHELTER PROTOTYPE In June 2017 the inaugural trip included workshops with bamboo researchers and traditional bamboo masters, culminating with the design and construction of a temporary bamboo cattle shelter.

The team included: + 13 undergraduate architecture + agricultural science students + 4 UTAS staff from architecture + design and agricultural science + 32 undergraduate students from local Vietnamese universities

+ 8 UAH (HCMC) - 16 NUCE + 8 HAU (Hanoi) students + staff 3 days CULTURAL ORIENTATION HCMC • site seeing to significant cultural sites

3 days BAMBOO ORIENTATION HCMC Phu An+ UAH • workshops to understand bamboo environments + buildings • workshops to develop ideas for small scale community buildings • visit to Sen Community Village, Wind + Water Café – Vo Trong Nghia 3 days COMMUNITY SITE VISIT Ro Koi Phu An • field trip to Ro Koi in Kontum, incl. traditional music festival 4 days BAMBOO ORIENTATION Hoi An DUT • visit Cam Thanh Community House- Hoang Thuc Hao • visit Da Nang University of Science + Technology (DUT) 5 days PROTOTYPE TESTING Hanoi NUCE + HAU • workshops to research bamboo treatment techniques + buildings • workshops to design prototypes for cattle shelters 5 days BUILDING WORKSHOP Tay Giang TIA + HUAF • building workshop to develop 1:1 prototypes for cattle shelter

TRIP 01

cattle shelter

The construction of a full scale prototype for a temporary cattle shelter in a local farming community in Tay Giang, Binh Dinh, involved collaboration with the Hue University of Agriculture and Forestry (HUAF), and the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA).

This project connected directly with an ongoing project by HUAF and TIA to develop new farming practices in regional communities, working directly with farmers and the local commune.

TRIP 02 COMMUNITY HOUSE PROTOTYPE In January 2018 the project followed a similar itinerary,with workshop and site visits that engaged with bamboo specialists, and design build of a prototype for a cultural pavilion.

projects 2017 - 2018

The team included: + 11 UTAS architecture + 2 landscape architecture students + 2 UTAS staff from architecture + design + 21 undergraduate students from local Vietnamese universities

+ 10 UAH (HCMC) - 11 NUCE + 9 HAU (Hanoi) students + staff 3 days CULTURAL ORIENTATION HCMC • site seeing to significant cultural sites

3 days BAMBOO ORIENTATION HCMC Phu An + UAH • workshops to understand bamboo environments + buildings • workshops to develop ideas for small scale community buildings • visit to Sen Community Village – Vo Trong Nghia 2 days BAMBOO ORIENTATION Hoi An Taboo • visit Cam Thanh Community House- Hoang Thuc Hao • workshop to develop bamboo building skills w Taboo Workshop

pavilion prototype developed

TRIP 02

pavilion prototype developed

TRIP 02

10 days PROTOTYPE TESTING Hanoi NUCE + HAU • workshops to research bamboo treatment techniques + design and construction of a cultural pavilion prototype • building workshop to develop 1:3.5.10 prototypes for pavilion

pavilion prototype constructed by cave urban in australia

agritecture DESIGN BUILD | WITH LOCAL COMMUNITIES Funding has been secured to continue AGRITECTURE research for an additional two trips in 2018, with plans to secure funding for ongoing projects in 2019. The next trips are planned for:

+ TRIP 03 June/July 2018 (nominally 14 June-6 July)

+ TRIP 04 - November 2018 (nominally 1-22 November) The programme for projects will be developed during March-May 2018, confirming collaborators and identifying key projects.

Each TRIP includes a new cohort of students, so needs to include

+ cultural orientation

+ bamboo orientation

+ bamboo workshop to build skills culminating in an workshop that applies this knowledge and skills to a design issues, working with local communities.

In addition to the student experience component, the UTAS team is investigating ongoing collaborative research partnerships that can explore AGRITECTURE in a range of diverse ways.

Projects to involve working with rural communities on: 1 developing strategies for localised cultivation of bamboo that can assist with the environmental and economic ecology of regional and rural settlements

+ settlement design

+ land-use and landscape design 2 developing prototypes for bamboo buildings exploring

+ hybrid construction techniques

+ self-build temporary or short-term structures

+housing, community and agricultural facilities Phu An Bamboo Conservation Village provides a key introduction to bamboo, and offers strong potential for future collaboration.

Projects to be developed with academic and industry collaborators.

COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH | WITH UNIVERSITIES Central to the project is ongoing academic research, which connects directly with local communities.

+ below indicates field of expertise Thai Nguyen University of Agriculture and Forestry Ongoing collaborative projects with UTAS Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA), working with Dr Stephen Ives and Dr Rowan Smith. +agriculture Vietnamese National University of Forestry (VNUF) Diverse expertise relating to bamboo, including the issues with bamboo treatment and longevity. Campus outside Hanoi has laboratory facilities with testing equipment.

+ agriculture + landscape architecture course Hue University of Agriculture and Forestry (HUAF) Expertise working with local communities. UTAS collaborators for cattle shelter project in Tay Giang, working with Dr Rowan Smith, TIA. +agriculture Hanoi Architectural University (HAU) Architecture and design expertise, working with site-specific projects

+ architecture + ???

National University of Civil Engineering (NUCE) Architecture and design expertise, including connections with 1+1>2 Architecture Research and undergraduate courses in:

+ architecture + planning + engineering HCMC University of Architecture Architecture and design expertise

+ architecture + ???

UAH

Danang University of Science and Technology UAH Expertise in bamboo structures - collaborated with David Rockwell from the University of Hawaii on a bamboo gridshell project.

+ architecture

COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH | WITH ARCHITECTS + CRAFTSPEOPLE Drawing on both traditional and contemporary bamboo building and craft skills provides a basis for the exploration of ideas, and the basis for design/build projects that engage with communities.

1+1>2 Architects Hanoi Leading the development of contemporary low tech/low skill hybrid bamboo architecture, Hoang Thuc Hao and the team at 1+1>2 have completed a number of buildings for local communities.

+ Hoang Thuc Hao is also a lecturer at NUCE, and has been central to the development of the first two projects.

+ 1+1>2 are interested in working with Phu An and Ro Koi communities, and other places in Thai Nguyen on projects.

H&P Architects Hanoi A diverse range of project for both local communities and for private clients by H&P Architects, offer similar approaches to contemporary

+ H&P Architects have affiliations with the HAU. NH Village Architects Hanoi An interest in the detail design of interior fitting and finishes, NH Village Architects work with local craftspeople to develop new products using traditional skills and techniques.

Vo Trong Nghia Architects HCMC + Hanoi HIgh tech solutions, reinventing bamboo traditions. Also interest in developing planting strategies as key aspect of building design.

Bambubuild Hanoi HIgh tech solutions, reinventing bamboo traditions, developing VTN ideas, working directly with experienced bamboo masters.

Taboo Workshop Hoi An Continues the traditions of bamboo handicraft and domestic building techniques. Mr Vo Tan provides hands on workshops to develop bamboo construction techniques. The nearby village of Cam Thanh has many examples of contemporary bamboo buildings.

+ http://taboobamboo.com/

projects 2018 - 2019 FUTURE PROJECTS Ideas for AGRITECTURE projects could include projects,focusing on:

+ developing designs bamboo buildings and objects, drawing on vernacular traditions and skills

+ developing ideas for rural and regional areas that include planting to manage environmental, social and land-use issues, fostering new settlement patterns + working with communities to develop prototypes for houses, which can build on the plan for developing bamboo crops

+ Ro Koi

+ Phu An

+ Thai Nguyen or Northern Highlands + developing ‘hammock hut’ pavilion prototype from TRIP 02 as a temporary or permanent structure for community or agricultural uses in regional communities,

+ Ro Koi

+ Thai Nguyen or Northern Highlands + developing ideas for shelters, working on site

+ Phu An Bamboo Village

+ Cam Thanh Village, or Hoi An communities + working with 1+1>2 Architects to design build small scale structures for local community libraries

+ Hanoi and surrounds

+ Thai Nguyen + other ideas to meet local needs, combining architecture, design and agriculture knowledge and skills.

The UTAS team invites collaborators to continue discussions regarding future projects. + Contact Helen.Norrie@utas.edu.au

bamboo orientation

CONTEMPORARY BAMBOO ARCHITECTURE Visiting contemporary bamboo buildings provides an understanding of hybrid bamboo and steel structures.

The Wind and Water Cafe by Vo Trong Nghia Architects (VTN) uses a steel frame with bamboo secondary structure and decoration.

Sen Community Village design by VTN employs bundles of bamboo to create curved elements that are joined by a steel ring beam at the apex. The roof is thatched, and the amenities are housed in concrete structure that was constructed using bamboo formwork.

SEN VILLAGE COMMUNITY HOUSE

WIND + WATER CAFE

architecture

CONTEMPORARY BAMBOO ARCHITECTURE A series of buildings at Serena Resort offer a range of examples of contemporary construction. Thee main restaurant building draws on ideas used by Vo Trong Nghia at Sen Village, which are expanded in the new village buildings.

SERENA RESORT RESTAURANT

SERENA RESORT RESTAURANT

SERENA RESORT BUNGALOWS

SERENA RESORT BUNGALOWS

bamboo orientation

CONTEMPORARY BAMBOO ARCHITECTURE Cam Thanh Community House in Hoi An design by Hoang Thuc Hao and the team at 1+1>2 Architects provides a contrasting construction technique and aesthetic to the work of Vo Trong Nghia. It employs a hybrid concrete block and bamboo structure, with low skill construction techniques.

CAM THANH COMMUNITY HOUSE

architecture

CONTEMPORARY BAMBOO ARCHITECTURE Suoi Re Community House design by Hoang Thuc Hao and the team at 1+1>2 Architects draws more directly on vernacular techniques, with a stone base, mud brick walls, bamboo structure, processed bamboo floor, and a thatched roof.

SUOI RE COMMUNITY HOUSE

bamboo orientation

BAMBOO+ CULTURAL ORIENTATION Phu An Bamboo Conservation Village provides a fantastic introduction to learn about many aspects of bamboo, understanding the different features of species, how it grows, its uses for soil remediation and water filtration.

TRIP 01

UTAS | UAH | Phu An team

TRIP 02

UTAS | UAH | Phu An team

workshop|phu an

bamboo orientation

BAMBOO+ CULTURAL ORIENTATION Developing an understanding of Vietnamese culture through cooking with the Phu An team, playing games and learning cultural songs is central to the project.

Design workshops with short model-making exercises encourage experimentation with the expressive qualities of bamboo. Teams develop ideas using split bamboo to create models of small structures.

workshop|phu an

A key part of the bamboo orientation involves learning how to join bamboo, focusing on detail construction techniques.

AT Phu An, Mr Canh, the scout master, demonstrated knot tying, insisting that “it must be neat!�

bamboo orientation

TRIP 01 | JUNE | JULY 2017 During TRIP 0` the UTAS team of 16 was joined by a team of 10 students and staff from the HCMC University of Architecture for a 2 day workshop based at Phu An. Teams developed ideas for structures to cover the ‘ditch’ at the entrance to Phu An (below) converting this into a usable space.

SITE | design canopy to cover ‘ditch’

workshop|phu an

bamboo orientation

TRIP 02 | JANUARY 2018 During trip 02 the UTAS team of 13 was joined by a team of 10 students and staff from the HCMC University of Architecture for a 1 day workshop based at Phu An. A short 3 hour design exercise invited teams to develop ideas to cover the dam at Phu An. Ideas were presented to the Phu An team.

SITE | design pond canopy

TEAM 01

TEAM 02

workshop|phu an

TEAM 03

TEAM 04

TEAM 05

bamboo orientation

TRIP 02 | JANUARY 2018 A workshop at HCMC University of Architecture explored structures through model making at a range of scales, testing how to construct curvilinear forms with straight pieces of bamboo.

Small scale test models were used to develop ideas, which were then constructed at 1:2 scale.

workshop | UAH

bamboo workshop

BUILDING WITH BAMBOO Working with bamboo masters in Suoi Re Village, the team from UTAS, NUCE and HAU developed skills in bamboo building, understanding jointing techniques and practicing making bamboo pins.

suoi re village

bamboo skills

BUILDING WITH BAMBOO Workshops with the bamboo master, Mr Tan, at Taboo Workshop in Cam Thanh village in Hoi An, provided instruction in a range of bamboo jointing techniques and demonstrated the construction process for making panels of water coconut roof shingles.

taboo workshop

design research

DESIGN BUILD | ENGAGING WITH COMMUNITIES

01

Drawing on connections with the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA), a project was developed with the Hue University of Agriculture and Forestry (HUAF) to design and build a prototype for bamboo cattle shelters.

TIA and HUAF are working with locals to develop sustainable cattle farming practices that allow greater productivity. Currently the cattle keeper leads the cow each day to find food, but this process involves the cows expending the equivalent energy walking as it acquires through eating. New farming practices involve a more stationary life for cattle, which requires them to be protected from the elements.

Cattle shelters are central to these new farming practices, providing protection for cows.

Prof Ba (left) Dr Smith (right) and Cattle Club members

01 | cattle shelter

design research DESIGN BUILD | ENGAGING WITH COMMUNITIES

01

Working with the National University of Civil Engineering (NUCE) and the Hanoi University of Architecture (HAU), teams developed ideas for small scale buildings that could be used for a range of community activities, from gathering places to cattle shelters. The proposals needed to be developed with construction in mind, as one of these would be developed to be built in Tay Giang, Binh Dinh.

TEAM 01

TEAM 02

TEAM 03

TEAM 04

TEAM 05

TEAM 06

TEAM 07

TEAM 08

TEAM 09

TEAM 10

01 |cattle shelter Ideas were developed through model, allowing the teams to become familiar with the structural system and the issues involved in construction.

The pavilion prototype was developed either as a whole structure, or through the exploration of detail elements.

TEAM 01

TEAM 02

TEAM 03

TEAM 04

TEAM 05

TEAM 06

TEAM 07

TEAM 08

TEAM 09

TEAM 10

design research

DESIGN BUILD | ENGAGING WITH COMMUNITIES

01

Arriving in Tay Giang, the UTAS team met with the local cattle club, and researchers from Hue University of Agriculture and Forestry, led

by Professor Nguyen Xuan Ba, and Rowan Smith of the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture.

The team visited existing cattle shelters to understand the practical requirements for feeding and cattle separation. They worked with the farmers to harvest fresh bamboo to build the prototype.

The building site was set up at the front of the Tay Giang Commune office, where the cattle club meets. This allowed the locals to observe the construction process, and to assist with construction techniques.

The portal frames were set out and the structure was pinned together with bamboo dowels, and the joints were tied with rope.

01 | cattle shelter

design research

DESIGN BUILD | ENGAGING WITH COMMUNITIES

01

Using a portal structure allowed for the frames to be set out with a template and constructed on the ground, and then raised into place.

The frames form a scaffold, creating an ease of construction. By the end of day one the two frames were erected and the cattle shelter had began to take shape.

01 | cattle shelter

design research

DESIGN BUILD | ENGAGING WITH COMMUNITIES

01

A roof of black plastic and bamboo splits was constructed, providing a very cheap but efficient covering for the structure.

The bamboo splits were joined onto a frame, so that prefabricated sections could be lifted onto the structure.

01 |cattle shelter

design research

DESIGN BUILD | ENGAGING WITH COMMUNITIES

01

After construction, the design was refined to incorporate the requirements for feeding and cattle separation, and a pamphlet was prepared that outlined instructions for the construction of the cattle shed, using local materials.

This provides directions for the local farmers to construct their own shed. It is envisaged that the concrete slab would be laid, and the bamboo cattle shed built as a temporary structure for 3-5 years. This allows for a more permanent building to be constructed as the farmer’s economic position is improved through new farming practices.

BAMBOO COW SHED BASIC DESIGN AND NOTES ON CONSTRUCTION University of Tasmania Vietnam Study Tour 2017

01 | cattle shelter

Channels in floor slab assist in drainage and prevent slipping when cattle standing on it

Regular spacing of feeding openings between posts allows for various configurations to be used when internally dividing enclosures

0.75 x 0.5m water troughs

available material

ELEVATION - LONG SIDE Scale: 1:50

ELEVATION - SHORT SIDE Scale: 1:50

Roof uses locally available materials such as tiles or thatch

2.1 m

4.1 m

End wall uses a replaceable wall to give shelter to cattle. End wall is non-structural and can be replaced without affecting the main structure

Earth would need to be builtup to make a ramp due to difference in height required for drainage

Bars set 30cm apart to space out animals when feeding. Other spacing arrangements can be used if required

PLAN

Scale: 1:50

Area overhung by roof

Cement capping for tile roof or similar flashings

Similar to the roof, the end wall uses materials easily and cheaply available such as thatch, bamboo weave or sheetmetal

Slab at end had a raised wall to keep end wall dry and away from water or runoff from sewer drain

Drain holes for each trough allow for easier cleaning for better hygiene and animal health

Page 1

Page 2

SECTION Scale: 1:50

Centre-line of fixed fencing

3.0 m

4.35 m

Three of the five trusses use a central post for fixing gates and internal fencing to. Central post is not load-bearing

Configuration of purlins and rafters dependent on roofing used. All rafters fixed to main truss structure

Feed troughs have rounded section as well as chamfered corners in plan to prevent feed becoming stuck in corners.

Bamboo trusses sit in PVC footings cast into concrete slab

Drain holes to assist in easy cleaning. Water troughs use a removable plug when not being cleaned

7.7 m Pinning point for gate Channels in floor slab assist in drainage and prevent slipping when cattle standing on it

2.3 x 0.5 m feed troughs Regular spacing of feeding openings between posts allows for various configurations to be used when internally dividing enclosures

ELEVATION - LONG SIDE

Floor uses 5% slope to achieve good drainage and keep cattle clean and free of disease

0.75 x 0.5m water troughs

ELEVATION - SHORT SIDE

Drain on low end of enclosure captures sewerage runoff for reuse on farm

Rubble or earth infill

Footings to engineer's detail or as needed depending on site and available material

so they can be replaced easily and quickly centre of trough and easy for cattle tointo position and Frame is lifted wall to be sealed and thatch lashed access isand thus to no fodder is wasted or on the anchors. should they be broken or decayed slotted into place it to create a closed surface. Palm-

at risk of rotting. Bottom of trough set Upper part of frame is then lashed thatch, split bamboo weave, bamboo 15cm higher than enclosure floor tobuilding reduce structure to the main shingles or sheet metal can all be fixed strain on cattle when feeding to the same frame

CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTIONDETAILS DETAILS Not Nottotoscale scale

Small post-holes in lip of feeder receive Page Page3 3 spacer bars. Spacing of holes in feeder and beam set at 30cm but can be cast differently depending on needs

FEEDER FEEDERARRANGEMENT ARRANGEMENT

01 | cattle shelter BAMBOO BAMBOO

Raked channels in floor increase grip and assist in carrying away waste for a cleaner and safer living environment

Holes Holesbored boredthrough throughbamboo bamboobeam beamsupport support Rounded formare or trough keeps spacer bars.Spacers Spacers arenot notfixed fixedinin place all feed in spacer bars. place centre of trough and easy for cattle to theycan can bereplaced replacedeasily easilyand andquickly quickly soso they be should they broken decayed should they bebebroken decayed access and thusoror no fodder is wasted or

at risk of rotting. Bottom of trough set

TRUSS FOOTINGS DRAIN AND BASIC BASICAND DESIGN DESIGN ANDNN

Bamboo poles are carefully selected and University UniversityofofTasman Tasma cleaned to fit tightly within footings. Should truss be damaged or deteriorate over time the old truss can be lifted out and a new one inserted

Small Small post-holes post-holes ininlip lipofoffeeder feeder receive receive floor to reduce 15cm higher than enclosure spacerbars. bars.Spacing Spacingofofholes holesininfeeder feeder spacer 120mm PVC pipe used as footings. Pipe END WALL ASSEMBLY strain on cattle when feeding and beamset set 30cmbut butcan canbe be cast and beam atat 30cm cast keeps water or waste from reaching the differently onneeds needs differently bamboo and preventing rot. Pipe is set A small loop of steel rod is cast into The end wall depending isdepending intendedon to be versatile the concrete as an anchor point into concrete slab for a secure anchordepending on material availability and point cost. In the example, a simple bamboo Rounded Rounded form formoror trough trough keeps keeps feed feedinin frame is assembled to the shape ofallall the centre oftrough trough and easy for cattle and easy for cattle toto Frame is lifted into position and wallcentre to be of sealed and thatch lashed to 200mm wide drain collects waste runoff.

Raked channels inisPalmincrease grip into place on the anchors. access and thusno nofodder fodder iswasted wasted access thus isfloor oror slotted it to createand a closed surface. uses 5% slope for drainage and built Upper part risk ofrotting. rotting.

Bottom oftrough trough set waste atat risk ofassist Bottom of set and in carrying away for ofa frame is then lashedDrain thatch, split bamboo weave, bamboo in rounded profile to assist with cleaning to the main building structure 15cm higher than enclosure floor to reduce 15cm higher than enclosure floor to reduce shingles or sheetand metal can allliving be fixedenvironment cleaner safer using a shovel. Drain runs to a collection strain oncattle cattlewhen whenfeeding feeding strain on to the same frame point where waste can be dried and used as fertiliser Raked Rakedchannels channelsininfloor floorincrease increasegrip grip andassist assistinincarrying carryingaway awaywaste wastefor fora a and cleanerand andsafer saferliving livingenvironment environment cleaner

ALL ASSEMBLY

A small loop of steel rod is cast into ll is intended to be versatile END ENDavailability WALL WALLASSEMBLY ASSEMBLY the concrete as an anchor point on material and AAsmall smallloop loopofofsteel steelrod rodisiscast castinto into The Theend endwall wallisisintended intendedtotobe beversatile versatile example, a simple bamboo the theconcrete concreteasasan ananchor anchorpoint point depending dependingon onmaterial materialavailability availabilityand and sembled to Inthe shape of the cost. example, a asimple cost.

Inthe the example, simplebamboo bamboo Frame is lifted into position and frame isisassembled totothe frame assembled theshape shapeofofthe the ealed and thatch is lashed to Frame Frameisislifted liftedinto intoposition and and wall toto walltotobe besealed sealedand andthatch thatchisislashed lashed slotted into into place ononposition the anchors. a closed Palmslotted place the slottedinto placeon theanchors. anchors. it ittosurface. surface. tocreate createa aclosed closed surface.PalmPalmpartpart of of frame isisthen then lashed Upper part offrame frameis thenlashed lashed thatch, split weave, thatch, splitbamboo bamboo weave,bamboo bambooUpperUpper t bamboo weave, bamboo to the main building structure to the main building structure shingles or sheet metal can all be fixed shingles or sheet metal can all be fixed to the main building structure sheet metal can all be fixed totothe thesame sameframe frame e frame

TRUSS FOOTINGS AND DRAIN Bamboo poles are carefully selected and cleaned to fit tightly within footings. Should truss be damaged or deteriorate over time the old truss can be lifted out and a new one inserted 120mm PVC pipe used as footings. Pipe keeps water or waste from reaching the bamboo and preventing rot. Pipe is set into concrete slab for a secure anchorpoint 200mm wide drain collects waste runoff.

Drain uses 5% slope for drainage and built in rounded profile to assist with cleaning using a shovel. Drain runs to a collection point where waste can be dried and used as fertiliser

BAMBOO JUNCTIONS Most junctions used on truss require a hole drilled through the members and a bamboo pin hammered in. Lashing is then used to bind the joint but also to prevent splitting

design research

DESIGN BUILD | ENGAGING WITH COMMUNITIES

02

The community of Ro Koi has been given land to build a new community house, through an arrangement with the government and the Catholic church. A partnership between the Ro Koi Community and the Phu An Bamboo Conservation Village is developing ideas for a bamboo building for this site that would provide a multi-purpose spiritual gathering place.

The project draws on the Phu An Village model, envisioning the cultivation of bamboo as part of an ongoing process of biodiversity through natural resource management. Bamboo provides soil remediation and assists with water filtration, and also creates a new crop that can be used for food, construction and local products.

A new cultural community house is envisioned as the centerpiece of this project, providing ways of promoting the use of bamboo in contemporary buildings.

02 |community house

design research

DESIGN BUILD | ENGAGING WITH COMMUNITIES

02

Central to the Ro Koi project is the introduction of bamboo cultivation as a key part of the local environment, increasing biodiversity and providing a new crop for food and building materials.

The team brought bamboo that had been cultivated at Phu An and planted it in each of the houses in the village. It is intended that this is the first crop of bamboo, which will be propagated to become part of an increasing plantation that can be used as for environmental remediation, building materials and as a food source.

The development of a community building constructed from bamboo is intended to support the development of the understanding of the diverse uses of bamboo to assist in the development of the environmental and economic ecology of the village.

DESIGN BUILD | ENGAGING WITH COMMUNITIES

02

Visiting the local “rong.� a large vernacular building that is used for meetings, celebrations and rituals provided inspiration for the design of the new cultural building.

The rong uses hybrid materials, with a timber structure and either thatched or corrugated iron roofs.

The elongated form provides a strong contrast to the landscape and the neighbouring village.

02 |community house

design research

DESIGN BUILD | ENGAGING WITH COMMUNITIES Sketch ideas for the community house were developed through a quick model making exercise using bamboo splits, to allow for the development of expressive ideas for the building form.

Many of the proposals drew on the ‘rong’ form for inspiration.

02

02 |community house

design research

DESIGN BUILD | ENGAGING WITH COMMUNITIES

02

Ideas were presented to Father Phu and the community and then developed to give more ideal of the potential character of buildings.

team 01

02 |community house

JESSE FRENCH | KRISTY STEVENSON | ELOISE GRACEY | QUINLAN REVELL

10651 7200

25047

14559

design research

team 02 ROBIN VERHOEFF| PENGFEI YANG

team 03 ISHKA HEART| LIAM PREECE | SAMANTHA MILNE

02 |community house

design research

team 04 EMMA HALL| SARAH BOMFORD

team 05

02 |community house

MACOLM LIEHR | BEN MILLINGTON

578,4 000,8

000,5 521,3

6,000 2,800 2,800

Apse

2,900 100

9,125

2,900 100

2,800

Nave

2,900 100

6,274

100

12,000

51

Altar

1,550

3,000

2,800 100

1,650

200

2,800 100

2,800 100 2,800 9,000

Bamboo Court

2,800 200 2,100

design research

PAVILION PROTOTYPE In summer of 2018 Cave Urban designed and built the ‘hammock hut’ a temporary pavilion for an annual cultural festival in Australia. The project was built in three weeks, with a team of 10 volunteers, mostly unskilled.

Future projects could explore the Hammock Hut as a prototype to be developed for Ro Koi, either as a permanent structure, or as a temporary pavilion that acts as a ‘place holder’ to start to catalyse ideas for a more permanent building.

03|pavilion prototype

design research DESIGN BUILD | ENGAGING WITH COMMUNITIES 03 Project 3 explores how a structure inspired to the Hammock Hut could be erected as a temporary pavilion that could be used as community house, or a larger scale agricultural building. Working with staff and students from the National University of Civil Engineering (NUCE) and the Hanoi Architecture University (HAU), the UTAS team explored how the Hammock Hut could be developed for ease of construction.

TEAM 01

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TEAM 10

03|pavilion prototype Ideas were developed through model, allowing the teams to become familiar with the structural system and the issues involved in construction.

The pavilion prototype was developed either as a whole structure, or through the exploration of detail elements.

TEAM 01

TEAM 02

TEAM 03

TEAM 04

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design research

Teams worked together to build a series of prototype models that explored form, space and detail, working on site at NUCE. Working at 1:3, 1:5 and 1:10 allowed the exploration of a range of different issues.

1:5 prototype exploring structure.

03|pavilion prototype

1:10 prototype exploring form.

design research Working at 1:3 scale allowed a simulation of the construction process of two bays, without the problems associated with working at heights.

The team also explored ways of constructing elements on the ground and lifting into place.

Coconut palms were used as the roof covering.

1:3 prototype exploring construction.

03|pavilion prototype

trip 02

UTAS team with students and staff from UAH and Phu An.

Phu An Bamboo Conservation Village.

2018 january crew

UTAS team with students and staff from NUCE and HAU.

Suoi Re Community House.

2018 june/july crew TRIP 02 2018 JUNE/JULY UTAS + NUCE + HAU TEAMS Teams presenting Pavilion Prototypes.

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2018 january crew TRIP 01 wJANUARY 2018 UTAS + NUCE + HAU TEAMS Teams presenting Pavilion Prototypes.

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2018 june/july crew

Phu An Bamboo Conservation Village Dr Diep Thi My Hanh Ms Nguyen Duyen Ro Koi Village Father Phu Nguyen Huu

University of Tasmania (UTAS) Bachelor of Environmental Design *Bachelor of Agriculture Science Students Ms Sarah Bomford Mr Jesse French Ms Eloise Gracey **Ms Emma Hall Ms Ishka Heart Mr Malcolm Liehr Mr Ben Millington Ms Samantha Milne Mr Liam Preece Mr Quinlan Revell * Ms Kristy Stevenson Mr Robin Verhoeff Mr Pengfei Yang

HCMC University of Architecture (UAH) Students Tuan Anh Nguyen Nguyen Quoc Doan Ms Tran Hoài Châu Truong Vu Thanh Trang Cuong Phung Cuong Vu Hoang Vu Tran Nguyen Anh UAH Staff Dr Vu Thi Hong Hanh Mr Vu Tien An

Hue Uni. of Agriculture and Forestry (HUAF) Professor Nguyen Xuan Ba

Mr Hai Tran Thanh Ms Nguyen Thi Mui ** lead research assistant UTAS | Architecture & Design Staff Dr. Helen Norrie Mr Jed Long Ms Nikki Nolan UTAS | Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture Dr Rowan Smith

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National Uni. of Civil Engineering (NUCE) Students Mr Lê The Viet Hoàng Mr Chu Thành An Ms Pham Hong Ngoc Mr Chu Minh Đuc Ms Lê Thi Bang Thanh Mr Hoang Manh Khoi Ms Phùng Ngoc Hà Ly Ms Lê Thùy Duong Mr Lâm Van Tùng Mr Nguyen Phi Hùng Mr Vu Huy Khôi Ms Đoàn Thi Huong Mr Nguyen Bình Minh Mr Nguyen Quang Chien Mr Đo Huu Manh Hanoi Architectural University (HAU) Mr Nguyen Cuu Truong Ms Nguyen Phuong Thao Mr Vu Ngoc Hieu Ms Huynh To Nga Ms Đang Thi Thu Uyên Mr Hoàng Trung Hieu Ms Hoàng Thuy Vân Nguyen Quý Phú

CPG Consultants Mr Benjamin Tan Ms Trinh Pham Hai Linh Ms Vu Thuyvy

NUCE + *HAU Coordinators *Ms Nguyen Le Trang Mr Hoang Manh Khoi

Ms Duong Nguyen Hong Anh Ms Phuong Le

NUCE Staff Mr Hoang Thuc Hao Mr Nguyen Duy Thanh

National Uni. of Civil Engineering (NUCE) - Students Ms Hoàng Thi Minh Thu Mr Nguyen Hà Trung Hieu Ms Vu Kim Anh Mr Nguyen Trung Nhat Mr Nguyen Lê Hoàng Ms Lê Thùy Duong Ms Mai Ngoc Ánh Mr Vu Khánh Hoàng Mr Cao Xuân Hòa *Hanoi Architectural University (HAU) *Mr Nguyen Quang Huy *Ms Vu Thi Huyen *Mr Đinh Công Đat *Ms Đo Ngoc Anh *Ms Vu Hong Ngoc *Mr Nguyen Manh Toàn *Mr Lê Van Long *Mr Trinh Quoc Bao *Ms Huynh To Nga *Ms Nguyen Que Bình NUCE Coordinators Mr Hoang M. Khoi Ms Pham Hong Ngoc Vietnam National Uni. of Forestry (VNUF) Dr NUCE + *HAU Staff Mr Hoang Thuc Hao Mr Thanh Nguyen Du Mr Truong Ngoc Lan *Ms Giáp Thi Minh Trang *Mr Nguyen Cong Hiep

Phu An Bamboo Conservation Village Dr Diep Thi My Hanh Ms Nguyen Phung

2018 january crew

HCMC University of Technology Mr Nguyen Quoc Y HCMC University of Architecture (UAH) - Students Đang Anh Tuan Lê Tran Bao Châu Nguyen Vu Nhat Tiên Tran Hoàng Minh Duyên Mai Nhã Hân Đang Quoc Huy *Lê Ngoc Danh Giang Le Anh Bùi Minh Châu * supplied images

UAH Staff Dr Vu Thi Hong Hanh Mr Hunh Duc Thua

CPG Consultants Mr Benjamin Tan Ms Cong Tang Ton Nu Phuong An

University of Tasmania (UTAS) Bachelor of Environmental Design + * Landscape Architecture University of Technology Sydney (UTS) - Students Ms Eliza Boon *Ms Jeanette Ceza Ms Norika Chynoweth Mr Marco Gjocaj Ms Kylie Harvey *Mr George Jerez Ms Elissa Lovell-Shaw Ms Laura O’Neill Ms Imogen Pinnington Ms Grace Walker Ms Maegan Williams

UTAS | Architecture & Design Staff Dr. Helen Norrie Mr Jed Long

trip 01

UTAS team with students and staff from UAH.

Phu An Bamboo Conservation Village.

thanks | phu an “Together we will make bamboo strong! My Hanh, the work you and your team are doing is fantastic. You have been such a fantastic host and shown us a side of Vietnam we would not have otherwise seem. I can’t wait to see where our new friendship will take us and what we will achieve together.”

Jed Long | World Bamboo Ambassador “An amazing experience that transformed my views on methods of construction, in terms of bamboo becoming a suitable, sustainable and practical means of building methods. Thank you for such a great learning and creative adventure”.

Eloise Gracey “Such a beautiful place with kind and welcoming people. It was great to hear about the work of the organisation gathering knowledge, which transforms communities and restores the environment. Thanks for having us!”

Kristy Stevenson “Thank you My Hahn and the team for welcoming us into Phu An with your generous hospitality, an incredible display of the power of bamboo and the vision for the use of bamboo in Vietnam.“ Quinlan Revell “The experience in Phu An was unique and great. Friendly people and nice food will bring me back in the future!”

Pengfei Yang

2017 june crew ”Phu An was such an extraordinary place to visit! The staff were so welcoming and generous. The food was great and so was the bamboo display.”

Samantha Milne “Ultimately I loved Phu An. It was so interesting to see all the various types of bamboo and everyone was super friendly.

I really hope that this keeps developing because it is so awesome”.

Liam Preece “Thank you for your amazing hospitality and generosity. The Phu An Bamboo Conservation Village is an incredible place and I have learnt so much from our visit.”

Emma Hall “I was very impressed by my experience at Phu An village. The people were very friendly, the food was great and the place was beautiful.

I really like what is being done at Phu An. It was such a good learning experience and is doing great things for the environment and the community”.

Robin Verhoeff “Such a beautiful organisation with extremely hospitable staff. Had a great time learning about bamboo and spending time with all the lovely people. I would love to visit here again in the near future. “ Jesse French “Developing the future with a welcome from the past.”

Malcolm Liehr

“Phu An Bamboo village was a great place to visit, full of people with incredible knowledge and generosity. A very welcoming and inspiring place to learn about the importance of bamboo.”

Sarah Bomford “The bamboo village is an extraordinary place.

It is beautiful, educational and we were all made to feel utterly welcome. I can’t wait to visit again in the future”.

Ben Milbourne “A spectacular display of bamboo plantations and building. I am very grateful for the welcoming generosity”.

Ishka Heart “It was a great pleasure to stay at Phu An and travel to Kon Tum with you. Thank you for all the food, games, translations, stories and most of all, the opportunity to learn about bamboo. You are all very generous, intelligent and encouraging. I look forward to seeing you again soon”.

Nikki Nolan “Dear My Hahn and the Phu An team. It was fantastic to see you all again and to spend four wonderful days with you at Phu An and Ro Koi. The work you do is very inspirational, as is your generosity and boundless energy. We have learnt so much from you about bamboo and Vietnam culture in general. Looking forward to seeing you all again soon”.

Dr Helen Norrie | UTAS project coordinator

pavilion prototype constructed by cave urban in australia