Johnny FD has an interesting story to tell. He quit his corporate job in 2008, sold his possessions, and bought a one-way ticket to Thailand to start an online business and become a professional Muay Thai fighter.
In fact, he wrote a book about his experiences called, 12 Weeks in Thailand.
Johnny shot, narrated, and edited the video below showing how Thai workers built a house out of bamboo in only 6 hours. The house is a bungalow for one of his fellow Muay Thai trainers.
Why Bamboo?
Bamboo is a popular building material in Asia for a few reasons. In the hot and rainy climate of Thailand, bamboo grows quickly and doesn’t require any care. Bamboo shoots can grow three to five feet per year.
Another nice feature of bamboo: it’s splinter-free. This makes cutting, splitting, and tying bamboo together a simple – and painless – process.
In fact, a recent article in MSN Real Estate asked the question, Is Carpet Dead? Bamboo flooring has exploded in popularity in recent years because it’s cheap, long-lasting, and looks fantastic.
It’s cheaper than installing wood flooring, too.
Bamboo Bungalow Basics
Depending on how it’s prepared, bamboo provides structural support, paneling, roofing, and flooring in many Thai homes.
The leaves of the bamboo plant form the thatched roof. The workers seal the thatched leaves with resin to create a water proof covering that lasts for several years.
Care to guess the total cost of a completed bamboo house – labor included?
Less than $1,000.
Why can’t we build these in the US!?
