In this masterclass, Neelam Manjunath redefines architecture through the lens of bamboo, presenting it as a highly intelligent, fast-growing, and renewable material. She addresses common misconceptions about material, highlighting its longevity and strength, which can even surpass steel in tensile strength.
Bamboo as a Plant and Material: Manjunath debunks myths about the material, clarifying that its roots do not typically invade buildings. She also explains that bamboo is regenerative, meaning it doesn’t need to be replanted after harvesting.
Traditional vs. Advanced Building Systems: The speaker showcases traditional bamboo buildings, some as old as 400 years. She also discusses how modern, value-added bamboo products are shaping new construction systems. She emphasizes the importance of proper design and construction to ensure durability.
Cost and Infrastructure: Manjunath addresses the misconception that bamboo buildings are only for low-cost housing or luxury resorts. She provides examples of how the material can be used in various infrastructure projects, including airports and bridges.
The Bamboo City Concept: Neelam Manjunath introduces her “Bamboo City” project, a regenerative ecosystem development. It proposes a minimum 30% inclusion of the material in all development sectors. The initiative aims to plant 15 million bamboo plants in Bangalore over the next seven years to promote ecological benefits and material production.
Manasaram and CGBMT: She highlights her architectural practice, Manasaram, which exclusively undertakes bamboo projects. She also mentions the contributions of organizations like the Centre for Green Building Materials and Technology (CGBMT) in promoting the material.
Publications: She also refers to her books, “Let’s Build with Bamboo, Volumes 1 and 2,” which document the journey of the material’s architecture.
In conclusion, Neelam Manjunath’s masterclass passionately advocates for bamboo as a transformative and sustainable material in architecture, challenging prevailing misconceptions and showcasing its vast potential. Through her work with Manasaram she not only demonstrates the material’s versatility and durability in various construction and infrastructure projects but also champions a regenerative approach to design that harmonizes development with ecology. Her vision, documented in “Let’s Build with Bamboo”, emphasizes the critical role of mindful material use and a shift towards local wisdom in building a sustainable future.
The site is located in Ahilyanagar town of Maharashtra, with a design brief of 7,000 sq feet, while the house had to be designed for the hot and dry climate, which responds carefully to extreme temperatures, intense sunlight, and low humidity. The design focuses on reducing heat gain, improving natural ventilation, and creating comfortable indoor spaces with […]
“Pravah” — A House That Breathes is envisioned as the main concept of this home revolves around a fluid, light-filled home where architecture becomes a continuous experience of movement, air, and connection. Located in Pal Gamtal, Surat, the project is a residential redevelopment on a 1,850 sq.ft. plot within a dense urban fabric. The site, […]
SapanoUday is a contemporary residence that balances material rawness with layered textures and crafted detail, aligning modern living with cultural and spatial sensibilities. Designed by Hundreddesigns, the home responds closely to the client’s routines and artistic inclinations while thoughtfully integrating Vastu principles. HundredDesigns The designers defined the architecture through a minimal palette, using exposed concrete […]
KRIPA is a residence that reflects the personality and lifestyle of its homeowner — calm, open, and rooted in nature. The project focuses on creating light-filled, green spaces with minimal private zones, encouraging openness and connection. In a time when spaces are shrinking but expectations are rising, architecture becomes the medium to bridge this gap […]
The Sculpted Sanctuary is a masterclass in modern minimalist design. The project focuses on “Quiet Luxury”. It is the idea that a space doesn’t need bright colors or flashy decor to feel expensive. Instead, it uses raw natural materials, rich textures, and sharp architectural lines. This Home Is A Masterclass In Modern Minimalist Design | […]
SIDHARTHA, is a four-bedroom modern house which is functional and aesthetic driven by the specific needs of the client. The location of the site is in a dense neighbourhood in Bengaluru, India. The contemporary urban dwelling frequently negotiates competing demands. It balances generous daylight and visual connection to the street with privacy, dust control, and […]
Located in HMT Layout, Bangalore, Isha_Srinidhi Nilaya stands as a multi-generational home designed on a compact 60×40 ft (2400 sq. ft) East facing plot, with a total built-up area of 8000 sq. ft. East Facing a lush public park, the residence responds to its urban setting through a layered design that balances privacy with a […]
Timeless architectural features, such as courtyards, are always associated with bringing the naturally public forms to the world’s heart, building the most peaceful, secluded outdoor areas. These outdoor spaces maximize the living experience with their private space feature, which gives one the option for leisurely relaxation, recreation, or gardening. Furthermore, it has also been a […]
The Indian farmhouse accommodation goes on to capitalize on a mature evolutionary synthesis of ancestral aesthetics and contemporary features. With this, the outside and the inside of farmhouses became places of comfort with nature. In this blog, we delve into 15 incredible farmhouse designs that entail a harmonious blending. While they exhibit different spaces in […]
Plants for home garden, apart from making houses look more beautiful and inviting, add health and calmness to them. Having any kind of indoor plant, a herb plant or a flowering plant adds some value to your decor and the quality of the space. Always choose plants that will flourish in your space and climate. […]