Category Archives : Environment & Health


In Pictures: Not just for scaffolding – Kowloon Bay’s stunning bamboo pavilion

In summer 2015, construction workers erected a new pavilion for public events in Kowloon Bay, next to the MegaBox shopping mall. The pavilion was unique in that bamboo was not only used as scaffolding material – the entire structure is, in fact, made out of bamboo.

ZCB Bamboo Pavilion CUHK Chinese University of Hong Kong architecture Kowloon Bay

Photo: Michael Law.

The ZCB Bamboo Pavilion was designed by a research team led by Kristof Crolla, an assistant professor at the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK)’s School of Architecture. It forms part of the Construction Industry Council’s Zero Carbon Building complex, which first opened in 2012.

ZCB Bamboo Pavilion CUHK Chinese University of Hong Kong architecture Kowloon Bay

Photo: Michael Law.

The innovative structure was constructed from a total of 475 bamboo poles, which were bent using techniques based on traditional scaffolding craftsmanship.

ZCB Bamboo Pavilion CUHK Chinese University of Hong Kong architecture Kowloon Bay

Photo: Ramon van der Heijden.

Bamboo scaffolding is considered a declining trade in Hong Kong due to the decreasing availability of raw material, and the reluctance of young people to learn the skill.

ZCB Bamboo Pavilion CUHK Chinese University of Hong Kong architecture Kowloon Bay

Photo: Kevin Ng.

The pavilion has a seating capacity of 200 people. CUHK says it will be used to host “low carbon”-themed exhibitions, performances and events.

ZCB Bamboo Pavilion CUHK Chinese University of Hong Kong architecture Kowloon Bay

Photo: Kevin Ng.

Last November, the ZCB Bamboo Pavilion was named Small Project of the Year by the World Architecture Festival.

ZCB Bamboo Pavilion CUHK Chinese University of Hong Kong architecture Kowloon Bay

Photo: Chinese University of Hong Kong.

Words: Elson Tong.

https://vimeo.com/176274598