CBFT Meeting Hall | Bamboo Construction in Nepal

CBFT Meeting Hall | Janakpur

This project was developed as a demonstration of bamboo’s structural potential using the CBFT (Cement Bamboo Frame Technology) system, in collaboration with Habitat for Humanity. Located within the NEA campus in Janakpur, the CBFT Meeting hall was envisioned as a functional community space while also serving as a live prototype for scalable bamboo construction in Nepal.

Location:
- Janakpur, Nepal
Project Type:
- Commercial
Completion Date:
- 08/2024
Client:
- Habitat for Humanity Nepal
Design By:
- Kamero Consults

Design & Features:
- Total Footprint Area:
  - 450 sq ft. (42 sq.m).
- Bamboo Flatten Application:
  - All external walls and roof.
- Openings:
  - Wooden Door & Aluminum windows.
- Flooring:
  - Cement.
- Roof :
  - Corrugated Tin Roof

Community Impact

The CBFT Meeting Hall, developed with Habitat for Humanity, went beyond creating a physical structure — it contributed to shifting local perception and building capability.
Local Skill Development: On-site teams were trained in bamboo joinery using nuts & bolts, moving away from purely traditional tying methods. This made bamboo construction more accessible and teachable.
Demonstration Effect: The structure acted as a live example within Nepal Engineering Association’s Janakpur premises, helping stakeholders and visitors see bamboo as a viable structural system, not just a temporary material.
Community Confidence Building: By executing a formal hall structure, the project helped build trust in natural materials among engineers, contractors, and local decision-makers.

Sustainable Benefits

This project reflects SHIV’s philosophy of practical sustainability — not theoretical.
Low Carbon Material System: Bamboo acts as a rapidly renewable material with significantly lower embodied energy compared to steel or concrete.
Local Resource Utilization: Materials were sourced locally wherever possible, reducing transportation impact and supporting regional economies.
Lightweight & Earthquake Responsive: Bamboo structures when properly braced, offer better flexibility under seismic conditions, making them relevant for Nepal’s context.

Construction Timeline & Team

Timelines: 1 month
Labour: Local bamboo craftsmen, carpenter, mason
Expert Supervision: Dhiraj K. Shah & Ravi Ray provided technical guidance and expertise throughout the project.