Product and Joint R&D

Since we have started working on a prototype for a rural housing unit that can adapt to users needs, we have been experimenting with new construction systems. Specifically, we are looking into joint connections for bamboo members that are strong, easy to make, and cost effective for mass production. This has made for a challenging task, but we have come up with some worth while ideas. above is a picture of a resin mold joint that can be used as a connector for 2+ bamboo members or truss joints. After using resin combined with cloth to secure half lap joints for bamboo beams, we wanted to see its capacity as a connector. The first trial was simple and easy to make. A simple box mold made from plywood housing the setting resin compound and inserted metal rods on all 6 sides. After setting, we removed the plywood and found that it was extremely hard, but concerns of brittleness came up after seeing how easy it was to chip. The applicability of this design is good for us and bamboo construction because it can be made on site or prefabricated, and has the ability to be molded in shape depending on structural needs.

We also started with rough materials such as paper, and cardboard to play around with ideas for how easy it would be to take a modular piece of steel, say a square or rectangle and mold or fit it to each connection fast and easy. We came up with an idea to use teeth in steel collars that could be hammered into bamboo and use that as a connection piece for joining members. The opportunities to also extend existing joints that WG has been using for several years to a higher efficiency is the next challenge.


Trials have also started looking at using traditional plumbing parts as possible connections for small scale structures, and or buildings. However, bamboo is irregular and never consistent in shape so the practicality of using same size parts is hard.




Progress on our guesthouse is coming along and the installation of the new bamboo staircase is at hand. We have designed a small four stair staircase as a prototype to see how well it could work, and we are happy with the results. We looked at the traditional floor open air truss and thought that maybe we could extend the members acting diagonally to form the treads and risers. It is a bit rustic looking, but has a nice simplistic character. Once we have completed the full flight of stairs we will post them ASAP.

Additionally, we have thought about the windows in the guesthouse and how they might incorporate bamboo features in a new way. For one opening we have threaded together bamboo rings cut in 2 inch segments, and lined them parallel with the frame. It adds a nice touch to a bamboo building, without seeming to commercial. The only problem was the securing of the pieces. They were not steady, and we had to design a material that could hold them in place, even in a harsh rain.


We realized that resin could act as a stabilizer and secure the bamboo pieces in place for a window opening of roughly 8 inches by 11 inches. Problems occurred due to the mixtures of resin and hardener, but we have faith in it's success after seeing the resin mold for the structural joint. The positive attributes of each material is the adaptability to many profiles can be accomplished. We still hope to use a resin compound, but one that more eco-firendly.