In anticipation of the fast-approaching rainy season, last week we completed a new workshop shed space to be used by our carpenters. Situated in open space next to the recently completed Yam Storage Barn, the structure is supported by (and provides shade for) an adjacent shipping container currently serving as mechanic home base.
The project was an exciting collaboration between our design team and local bamboo craftsmen. Harnessing local knowledge and indigenous building techniques, and capitalizing on skills and craftsmanship particular to bamboo construction, we were able to create a very stable space-frame truss system to carry a fairly expansive roof on just four columns.
Having initially developed the design through sketches and digital models, we discovered that creating a physical model was an incredibly powerful tool for communicating the design to Dominic and Peter, two Anamite bamboo carpenters, who were able to quickly and clearly understand the necessary components and connections involved.