Minimalist Bamboo House

After a scorching 2010 summer here in the Philippines islands, I have decided to be a naturalist, to blend with nature when it comes to choosing the material for a house. I think God let bamboos grow freely in our part of the world because that's what we need to build cooler homes. Simple logic.

God is wise. He gave us an abundance of bamboos. But men really don't see God's wisdom. You see we choose to have concrete houses with galvanized rooftop. And whine about the heat! Lucky for those wealthy enough to have air conditioning units installed. But a bamboo house in the long run would be costly because it doesn't last for long and it's high on maintenance, others may argue. Blabber if you must but you couldn't dissuade me - I want a bamboo house.

But I don't want my bamboo house to look drab and ordinary. I want it to be different - to be unique! So, I spent hours searching in the internet for modern bamboo houses design. So far, I like the minimalist bamboo house design by a Japanese architect (see photo). Well, my own bamboo house can be inspired from this design. Help me piece together a plan for a dream bamboo house! If you are an architect that's even better. Maybe you can offer a tip or two for free! Just maybe.

For structural engineers prove that I.V. Mallari is correct - when the wind blew its hardest, the bamboo tree was wiser.

Wait! I have another practical addition to my bamboo house. I want it to have solar panels (my husband's idea actually) Why not? I've been to a solar panel powered house in Japan. Cool! I agree solar panels are expensive but in the long run it's practical I think. After all the scorching heat of the sun is for free!

Photo Credits: http://www.inhabitat.com/wp-content/uploads/greatbamboo.jpg

http://i984.photobucket.com/albums/ae324/muramasha113/01105.jpg

Island Adventure in Carles: Isla Gigante, Sicogon Island, Antonia, Tangke, Bulobadiang

I'm back after a 3-day adventure in the islands of Carles. We climbed a mountain, explored a cave, and hopped from one island to another (literally, hopped, waded and walked from Isla Gigante to Bulobadiang island, possible only on low tide).

I'm just sketchy in this post, couldn't write much although my mind is full to the brim with the experiences and the blue and green scenery because every muscle in my body still aches, a few scratches are still smart, and some skin irritations/insect bites still itch (couldn't stop scratching actually! I'm still looking for that bottle of Caladryll!)

Next post, I will detail the adventure. Read about the waters, mountains, islands and more islands - a feast for the eye during the 2-hour motor boat ride to Isla de Higante, our first stop. Sleeping in a hammock. Rock climbing 101. Rapelling down a cave. Spelunking. Swimming on deep waters with life vest on! ;-) Surviving in an island without electricity and fresh water! Without electricity, I could survive but without fresh water?!

Of course, we're all urbanites we still couldn't give up some lifestyle so we couldn't help but add a lighter side to our seemingly survivor series adventure - Climbing a rocky mountain to search for cellphone signals, and - scouring the island and surrounding islands in search for Mountain Dew! Really thirst quenching! In an island on a hot summer day? Your throat waits for its first drop!

Adventure is not spelled ADVENTure without some death-defying, I'm-glad-I'm-still-alive life changing moments!

Don't miss the more than "I-tripped-on-a-Yamashita-gold-excavation-trace" and the "hang-on-don't-let-go-of-the-rope" terrifying experiences!

All these and a lot more on next post!

Photo Credits: Sir Ramir, Sir July, Sir Joshua