Bamboo Architecture Unboxed
We are super excited to introduce our new book on bamboo architecture that has been more than 5 years in the making.Ebook and Paperback copy available now.
Interested to see what's inside?
Bamboo Unboxed Workshop
Sumatra | 2026
6 - 11 April 2026
Orangutan Haven, North Sumatra, IndonesiaAfter the successful workshop in Jul 2025, the Bamboo Unboxed Workshop will be back in 2026.
Unboxing ideas, play with possibilities.
Inside the lush tropical forests of Sumatra, the workshop is a collaboration between Giant Grass and Orangutan Haven. It will be guided by world-class bamboo architects, you’ll master geometry-driven design and build something real with your own hands.The workshop is based on the principles identified in the book ‘Bamboo Architecture Unboxed’ by Jörg Stamm and Munir Vahanvati.You’ll walk away not just with what you built — but with a deeper understanding of bamboo, nature, and the impact of design done right.Spaces are limited with Early bird tickets available till 30 Nov 2026.
About the book
"Bamboo Architecture Unboxed" is a comprehensive guide that bridges traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design techniques to revolutionise the bamboo construction landscape. Authored by experts Jorg Stamm and Munir Vahanvati, this book explores the remarkable strength, sustainability, and aesthetic flexibility of bamboo through geometrical principles.Readers are taken on an enlightening journey from the foundational elements of bamboo design to intricate architectural forms inspired by nature. Key geometries such as hyperbolic paraboloids, hyperboloids, tetrahedrons, and geodesic domes are meticulously demystified, offering a blend of historical context, vivid imagery, practical wisdom, and step-by-step construction guides.Whether you're an architect, builder, or enthusiast of sustainable materials, "Bamboo Architecture Unboxed" unfolds as a transformative narrative, inviting you to push creative boundaries and shape a future where eco-conscious constructions and organic silhouettes form the core of our built environment.
The book includes...
300
Pages
37
Projects
4
DIY projects
326
High quality photos
What's inside the book?
Chapter 1 - Understanding bamboo
Provides an overview of bamboo as a plant and what makes bamboo an amazing material for construction including some of the most suitable bamboo species for construction.
Chapter 2 - Evolution of wooden structures
Provides an overview and history of how wood construction has evolved over the centuries.
Chapter 3 - Need for out of box thinking
Provides an overview of how materials have shaped the construction style and language over the centuries and the need for developing a design language for bamboo architecture.
Chapter 4 - Geometry as a basis for design
Discusses how geometry has shaped design of structures and showcases how geometric principles can have been used to develop bamboo architecture.
Chapter 5 - Design tools
Talks about various design tools used by architects and designers to develop designs including how parametric tools can be used to develop complex geometries.
Chapter 6 - Geometric Principles
The biggest chapter in the book talks about how geometric principles like hyperbolic paraboloid, hyerboloid, tetrahedron and geodesic dome can be used to develop complex designs specific for bamboo architecture.It also provides step-by-step guide to build 4 projects that people can build themselves using these geometric principles.Finally, the chapter showcases projects across the globes that use these geometric principles in real life projects.
Chapter 7 - Let's start building
The concluding chapter provides future direction of bamboo architecture while encouraging people to get their hands dirty and start building.
Purchase book
E-book and Paperback copies are now available to purchase from your preferred provider below.
AVAILABLE NOW
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AVAILABLE NOW
COMING SOON
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About the authors
Jorg Stamm
Jorg is a Bamboo Master Builder with more than 30 years of experience in bamboo construction. He has been responsible for some of the most fascinating bamboo buildings and has worked across the world on large-scale bamboo construction projects including the Three Mountains building in Bali and some of the largest bamboo bridges in Colombia.In the past 30 years, Jorg has shared his knowledge and experience in building with bamboo through teaching workshops facilitating more than 50 workshops across the globe. Jorg is sought out to consult on various technical projects, including development of industrial bamboo processing facilities, machine installations, staff trainings and product development around the world.
Munir Vahanvati
Munir is an Architect and Urban Designer with a keen interest in sustainability, hands-on learning and design. He is a Co-founder and Design Director at Melbourne-based design + build studio Giant Grass, World Bamboo Ambassador for the World Bamboo Organisation and Vice President of the Bamboo Society of Australia.Munir is a respected figure in bamboo architecture, collaborating with architectural firms and community organisations worldwide. He specialises in facilitating collaborative community development workshops using bamboo and continues to blend his expertise in contemporary design with traditional bamboo craftsmanship to create elegant, sustainable designs.
The Only Experience of Its Kind
The world’s only bamboo architecture workshop inside an orangutan sanctuary.
Guided by international masters, grounded in 20+ yrs of bamboo innovation and conservation.
Every registration supports Orangutan conservation.
More than skills - A Movement
Inside the lush tropical forests of Sumatra, the workshop is a collaboration between Giant Grass and Orangutan Haven. It will be guided by world-class bamboo architects, you’ll master geometry-driven design and build something real with your own hands. The workshop is based on the principles identified in the book ‘Bamboo Architecture Unboxed’ by Jörg Stamm and Munir Vahanvati.You’ll walk away not just with what you built — but with a deeper understanding of bamboo, nature, and the impact of design done right.
Your 6 Day Journey in Sumatra
bamboo geometry + structure + joinery techniques from world masters.
hands-on and bring bamboo geometry to life.
across disciplines, share culture, exchange ideas and spark innovation.
with nature, bamboo and a global network of like minded people.
Download the full workshop program below:
Workshop facilitators
Munir Vahanvati
Co-founder & Design Director of Giant GrassArchitect and Urban Designer with a passion for natural materials and sustainable design.With over two decades of experience, he has led community workshops, authored books, and shared his knowledge at international conferences. He serves as a World Bamboo Ambassador and continues to champion sustainable design.He is also the co-author of Bamboo Architecture Unboxed, the book that inspired this workshop.
Gilbert Anton Murrer
Construction & Planning Manager at Orangutan HavenAustrian architect Gilbert combines his roots in carpentry and interior design with a lifelong commitment to sustainable building. For the past eight years, he has led Planning and Bamboo Production at the Orangutan Haven in Sumatra, advancing eco-friendly design.He also shares his expertise through international workshops, lectures, and green building initiatives
Andi Gurusinga
Master Carpenter at Orangutan HavenFrom his beginnings near the Orangutan Haven in North Sumatra, Andi has grown into the Haven’s Head of Carpentry.Trained by Gilbert and with nearly a decade of experience, he has also contributed to bamboo projects beyond the Haven, always guided by his connection to local culture and craft.
Guest Speakers
Jörg Stamm (Online only)
Bamboo Master BuilderWith over 30 years in bamboo construction, Jörg has shaped some of the world’s most remarkable bamboo structures, from the Three Mountains building in Bali to bridges in Colombia.Honored as World Bamboo Pioneer in 2022, he continues to share his expertise through global projects and training initiatives.He is also the co-author of Bamboo Architecture Unboxed, which forms the foundation of this workshop.
Ian Singleton, Ph.D. OBE (Conservation talk)
Director of Conservation, Orangutan Haven.Ian has worked with orangutans more than 35 years in Zoos, as a field scientist for his Ph.D., and since 2001 as Director of the Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Programme and now at the Orangutan Haven.He has considerable experience of orangutan ecology, their rehabilitation and reintroduction to the wild, and protecting their forest habitat from destruction. In 2020 Ian was awarded an OBE by her majesty Queen Elizabeth II in recognition of his services to the environment and conservation.
What previous participants say...
What previous participants say...
Workshop inclusions
✔ Accommodation (single bed)
✔ Three meals per day + snacks
✔ Evening activities
✔ Workshop merchandise
✔ All tools + building materials provided
✔ Copy of the Bamboo Architecture Unboxed book
✔ Participation certificateWhat to bring? Your creative self :)
Post-Workshop Adventure
April 11–14, 2026
After a week of building in nature, continue your journey through Sumatra’s wild beauty.Soak in Berastagi’s natural hot springs, summit Mount Sibayak, and trek through the jungles of Bukit Lawang in search of wild orangutans.A perfect way to unwind, reconnect, and reflect before heading home.Download full program below:
Spaces are limited
Early bird
$625
Book early and save $120 (until 30 Nov 2025)Regular price after early bird period $745
Price for the 6-day workshop only.Includes all the inclusions in the workshop.
Student
$625
Discounted tickets for university students(proof of enrolment required)
Price for the 6-day workshop only.Includes all the inclusions in the workshop.
Full package
$900
Book early and save $120 (until 30 Nov 2025)Regular price after early bird period $1020
BEST VALUE
Includes 6-day workshop and post and 3 day post workshop tour.
Deposit
$100*
Not ready to pay full?Reserve your spot with a deposit.
Choose between the workshop only or full package during final payment.
* Full payment due before 6 Feb 2026. Not valid for Early bird tickets. Deposit is non-refundable
Adventure
$300
4-day post workshop adventure if booked separately.
Relax in the hot-springs at Berastagi, climb Mount Sibayak and visit Bukit Lawang along with a jungle trek to see the Orangutans.
Note: All prices are in USD.
Your Questions, Answered
The Jungle is waiting
More than a workshop — it’s a movement of doers.
Build with nature, innovate with purpose, and shape what’s next.Unboxing ideas, play with possibilities.
Download full program and tour details:
Meet the organisers
With 20+ years of experience in facilitating bamboo workshops and conservation — your journey is in good hands.Check us out on social media
@giantgrass
@orangutanhaven
@bambooarchitectureunboxedContact
[email protected]
Organised by:
Supported by:
Got questions
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