Following the success of last year’s course, participants are invited to join once again. This year, hosted at the Ngapuh Homestead on the riverbanks, each day begins with stunning views and the sounds of the jungle. Attendees live, build, and design alongside the Bidayuh community, sharing meals and learning directly while bringing their own ideas to life through collaboration.
The course blends traditional wisdom with modular design innovation. Whether an architect, designer, maker, or simply curious, it offers a rare chance to reconnect with the essence of natural building and cultural exchange.
The petal module is like a poem in the making, many small pieces tied together as bundles, which are then curved to form loops and then interlocked to create strong petal module. Each piece becomes part of something greater than itself and the possibilities are infinite.
The petal module is a metaphor, for how many small actions, can create something larger than oneself. The build process stands as a testament to teamwork and the beauty of many minds and hands coming together to build, not just a structure, but also a community and lifelong connections.
Bali
Borneo
Borneo
Bali
Bali
Borneo
If you believe in what we’re building, please consider making a donation. Your support helps the community to preserves traditional craft, through shared learning and cultural exchange.
Welcome gathering in Kuching town for an afternoon meet up. A chance to group and get to know each other before the journey begins.
Participants make their way to the homestead. A private boat and rainforest guide will take you upriver to Ngapuh Homestead. In the evening, we gather for a welcome dinner and an introduction to the days ahead.
Time to get hands on. We begin the day learning how to harvest bamboo. Back on site, we move into model making and design development for what we will bring to life in the days ahead.
Model making and design development continue. Sketches evolve into sculptures as we test ideas, refine details, and work together to shape the design.
We start by splitting the bamboo. We begin crafting modules at full scale. As the build takes shape, hands on building begins.
Explore local waterfalls and enjoy time in nature. A chance to rest and recharge.
We continue the build by bundling and layering the bamboo splits, shaping the pieces into petals. The modules come to life as we begin looping the bamboo petals together.
The pieces come together on site. We begin by installing the petal modules, then add bamboo weaving.
Complete the installation and finishes. Take group photographs.
After heartfelt goodbyes to the homestead community, participants will begin their return journey by boat. Along the way, you may choose to stop at the Orangutan Wildlife Centre.
MATERIAL: Bamboo
TYPE 1:1 Building Course
This year, we will be building a bamboo workshop pavilion using modularised bamboo components, constructed at full scale as a one to one prototype based on a standardised component system.
I put away my computer and began designing with nature as my guide. That is why the petal module embodies the unique qualities of bamboo, its flexibility, strength and lightweight nature. My design journey started with a miniature model, allowing the forms to take shape organically as I worked by hand. Through testing and mock ups, full scale petal modules emerged that we formed into a self supporting dome that resembled a lotus flower. I was in Bali at the time, and the local word for lotus is teratai, so we called it Teratai Architecture marking the beginning of a series of annual live build workshops.
The petal module offers limitless possibilities. It has been arranged into a dome, a retreat pavilion, a longhouse, a shade sculpture, a gateway, and a bridge. Each build demonstrates the versatility and adaptability of bamboo, revealing its potential as an affordable, sustainable resource. The module is a testament to hands on material exploration, teamwork and creativity.
MATERIAL Bamboo
TYPE Design and Build
The vision was clear, to harness the flexible lightweight nature of bamboo and translate it into an affordable, self supporting structure that embodies sustainability, affordability and beauty. The domes innovative design allows for easy assembly akin to flat packed furniture, promoting adaptability for future installations.
MATERIAL Bamboo with Ratan
TYPE Design and Build
At the point where three rivers meet, we embarked on a self build project to create a a traditional hut, using locally sourced natural materials. This project embodies our commitment to sustainable building practices and community collaboration.
Learning from the petal model, we adapted the design to utilise rattan, a resource abundantly available. The structure features a bamboo deck and a leaf roof, offering shade and protection while seamlessly blending with the surrounding environment.
MATERIAL Bamboo
TYPE Model Making
Our longhouse workshop space at the Bidayuh community campus in the rainforest is designed in collaboration with the Bidayuh community to preserve and blend authentic Bidayuh architectural elements with contemporary construction techniques. This creates a dynamic space for creativity and cultural exchange. With a flexible layout, the longhouse serves as an ideal venue for educational programs and community gatherings.
MATERIAL Bamboo
TYPE Model Making
In Nuanu Creative City, along the river walk, a Corbra shade sculpture emerges as a beautiful symbol of balance, reflection and interconnectedness with nature. Sculptural symbolism of the serpent and the lotus flower add layers creating a rich tapestry of symbolism. Within the realm of Cobra, we invite you to reflect and release, embracing both the darkness and light that coexist in this serene setting. A focal point where perspectives converge.
MATERIAL Bamboo
TYPE Design and Build
This model making workshop and live build, with Oxford Brookes University, focused on designing and constructing a community gateway structure using the reciprocal bamboo petal module.
The project aims to create a entrance for a rural village in the mountains of Jatiluwih, a UNESCO World Heritage landscape. Participants engage in a hands on learning, guided through the process from initial model making and design development, to on site building.
This initiative fosters sustainable building practices, knowledge exchange and community collaboration, creating a sculptural gateway that integrates harmoniously with the natural and cultural environment.
MATERIAL Bamboo with Timber
TYPE Model Making
We focused on designing a sculptural bridge using the reciprocal petal module, a lightweight elegant structure ideal for bridges and for creating welcoming gateway a symbol of connection.
This was a unique opportunity to step into the rainforest and explore sustainable architecture. Through model making and design development, participants gained practical experience and a deeper understanding of traditional design techniques.