A mockup unit of the an-eco budget bamboo chalet: design and cost estimation analysis

Abstract

To succeed by 2050, Malaysia visions would need to be ecologically sustainable. To align with this strategy, a mock-up unit of an-eco budget bamboo chalet is proposed and designed with the aim to provide an affordable and sustainable chalet using local sustainability features and expand the use of natural resources. A sustainable bamboo chalet requires proper initial treatments and preservation in maintaining its esthetic appearance and strength. Otherwise, it can be less durable and under certain circumstances would incur high maintenance cost to the owner. In this study, the proposed unit of an eco-budget bamboo chalet is designed and analyzed using the Staad Pro V8i software. The projection cost of the bamboo chalet in the next 25 years is studied comparatively in which involves a comparison of using a different material, i.e. concrete with the same built-up area. The bamboo chalet had a built-up land area of approximately 7.5 m x 7 m (53 m2) and is made of 95% bamboo which comprises of two different species, i.e. Bambusa Vulgaris and Dendrocalamus Asper Bamboo. The results showed that construction material of the chalet saves up to 18% more when using bamboo compared to concrete. However, the total projected cost of the chalet for the next 25 years by using bamboo was 14% higher compared to concrete. Therefore, emphasis on the usage of bamboo for long-term strategy is required to maintain and control the gradual trend cost incurred if green building is to be built in Malaysia.