Thiruvananthapuram: In an effort to replace expensive construction methodology in the state, Habitat Technology Group, a pioneer in sustainable, eco friendly housing will start a Bamboo School at Mudavanmugal on its 30th anniversary. The school will train engineers, planners, policy makers, artisans, carpenters and masons in housing solutions based on bamboo. It will undertake research and development to bring out value added bamboo products. “There is lack of awareness about the excellent tensile strength of bamboo. Once moisture and microbes are chemically removed, bamboo can serve as a replacement for steel,” said architect G. Shankar, chairman of Habitat group and a Padma Shri recipient.
Habitat group which was inspired by ace architect Laurie Baker, advocates construction using mud and bamboo. Use of bamboo for environmental protection, greening up of degraded lands, watershed programme and road construction will be explored. “As per estimates, around one fourth of India doesn’t have houses. We are in an effort to bring down construction cost. At present, we build a house for Rs 4 lakh and it has many takers in Kerala,” he said. Habitat claims to have constructed around 5 lakh housing units.
This includes townships built following calamities and units which were part of redevelopment of slums. Houses were built in Latur, Bhopal, Gujarat and Orissa after calamities. Projects were undertaken at Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Palestine and Haiti also. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will inaugurate the anniversary celebration at Poojapura ground. MP Shashi Tharoor, MLA O. Rajagopal, and actor Manju Warrier will participate. A four day workshop will also be conducted as a part Bamboo school opening.
