ART4D SPEAKS WITH THANA THIPPCHAROEN FROM PHIMTHA CO., LTD. OR THAILAND BAMBOO, A BAMBOO FACTORY THAT COMBINES THE NATURALNESS OF BAMBOO MATERIALS WITH CONTEMPORARY ARCHITECTURE
TEXT: CHIWIN LAOKETKIT
PHOTO: WORAPAS DUSADEEWIJAI EXCEPT AS NOTED
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Bamboo has long been an integral material in Southeast and East Asia, serving both utilitarian and architectural purposes. Traditionally undervalued compared to other materials, bamboo has recently seen a resurgence in interest driven by the global shift towards sustainability. This versatile material, well-adapted to environmental demands, is now favored for its local availability and ecological benefits. Fueled by a commitment to sustainable practices, architects and interior designers are leveraging bamboo to produce designs that are not only technically innovative but also aesthetically compelling, leading to new frontiers in woodworking techniques.
In discussing the evolution of bamboo materials within Thailand, Thana Tipcharoen from PHIMTHA COMPANY LIMITED, also known under the moniker Thailand Bamboo, shared with art4d magazine that his company’s 27-year journey in the bamboo material industry has catered to the needs of both domestic and international construction projects. This extensive experience began with his childhood in Prachinburi Province, surrounded by bamboo groves. These early experiences have inspired his use of bamboo in construction, enhancing the aesthetic and structural integrity of the buildings.
“About 30 years ago, before the Internet, I scoured books and traveled internationally to experiment with the fundamental properties of bamboo. My ambition was to transform it into flat panels, making it as functional as conventional wood. Once I mastered this technique, I began sourcing bamboo from diverse regions across Thailand, selecting species like Ton, Sang Mon, and Liang for further development. Encouraging the cultivation of bamboo among local farmers not only fosters environmental sustainability—given bamboo’s rapid growth and ability to rejuvenate green spaces—but also allows for cyclic replanting within the same land, enhancing the landscape’s ecological resilience.”
Thana Tipcharoen
In addition to his collaborative efforts with bamboo farmers, Thana, a dedicated researcher in bamboo materials, has worked extensively with both Thai and international architects. This partnership has focused on selecting materials for a variety of building types, including residential homes, hotels, resorts, and outdoor pavilions, all of which prominently feature bamboo.
Blue Tree Phuket | Photo courtesy of Thailand Bamboo
The offices of One Bangkok | Photo courtesy of Thailand Bamboo
Thana’s experience has revealed a noticeable gap in the innovative application and preference for local materials among European architects compared to their Thai counterparts. He has observed that numerous architectural designs require specific adaptations to meet the structural and functional demands of bamboo. Noteworthy projects in Thailand Bamboo’s growing portfolio include the Roong Arun School, protective structures of historical sites at Sukhothai Historical Park, including the offices of One Bangkok and Blue Tree Phuket where they worked with the design team at CKP studio, with the focus on the use of bamboo as one of the key materials.
Addressing common misconceptions regarding bamboo’s durability is essential, Thana argues. With advancements in treatment processes, bamboo is now effectively resistant to pests such as termites and ants and is versatile enough for use in building floors, walkways, poolside decks, and structural elements like cladding, columns, beams, and ceilings. He cited the growing global trend toward Scandinavian design, which extensively utilizes wood, noting that there remains a significant preference in Thailand, particularly for synthetic materials, plastics, and stones over natural wood.
Looking forward, Thana highlighted upcoming innovations in bamboo technology spearheaded by Thailand Bamboo in collaboration with leading Thai universities. These initiatives aim to develop specialized adhesives tailored for bamboo-based constructions and to enhance material standards, particularly regarding fire resistance. Thana is keen to consult with a new generation of architects eager to integrate bamboo into sustainable, functional designs that adeptly respond to both modern living needs and environmental imperatives.
