Improving Living Standards with Bamboo
For centuries, bamboo has been central to life in Nepal, serving as a material for homes, tools and rituals. In the southern Terai plains, it was essential for survival in regions prone to natural disasters. However, traditional bamboo structures were temporary and fragile, requiring constant repair and maintenance, preventing families from investing in other aspects of their lives. Today, engineered bamboo is increasingly recognized as a durable, sustainable building material that can last up to 60 years, providing a lasting solution in regions facing housing challenges.
Using technology to reinvent bamboo construction
The work of BASE Bahay Foundation has been instrumental in demonstrating the potential of bamboo as a building material. Innovations such as the Cement Bamboo Frame technology (CBFT) are proof of this potential and highlight the difference between traditional bamboo construction and engineered bamboo. This method transforms bamboo into a reliable structural element by treating it to resist pests and rot, then combining it with modern construction methods for added strength. The result is a durable, disaster-resistant material that can withstand earthquakes and high winds, providing much-needed safety for families in Nepal's disaster-prone regions.
Enabling a bamboo construction industry
By using locally sourced bamboo, CBFT not only provides a safe and affordable housing solution, but also strengthens the local economy by providing jobs in bamboo cultivation, treatment, and construction, reducing the need for imported materials. Bamboo's rapid growth and ability to regenerate without replanting make it an ideal choice for the Global South, where affordability and sustainability are critical. As CBFT gains recognition, it is positioning bamboo not just as a temporary solution, but as the foundation for communities that can be empowered and thrive for decades to come.
Find out how bamboo is breaking construction stereotypes and helping people and economies alike:
Enrolling Cement Bamboo Frame Technology in Nepal
Initiated by the Hilti Foundation in 2014, the BASE Bahay Foundation in the Philippines has become the global hub for bamboo building expertise. BASE is a leader in eco-friendly, disaster-resilient and affordable housing, driving innovation through projects, research and government-accredited training. This expertise is being applied not only in the Philippines, but also in Nepal, where Habitat for Humanity Nepal is using bamboo technology to create sustainable housing solutions for families in need. One of the companies contributing to the establishment and growth of a bamboo building industry in Nepal is Kamero Consults.