Crafting a Gorgeous Flexible Stool Out of Bamboo

The concept for crafting the stool originated from a design by the esteemed Taiwan-based firm, "The Grass Studio." Initially envisioning a coffee table, I found myself captivated by the evolving form of the piece. This led me to pivot towards creating a versatile stool instead. This transition enabled me to delve deeply into the unique qualities of laminated bamboo, particularly in the realm of furniture craftsmanship.

My inspiration for this project stemmed from a longing to mirror the intricate allure of miniature architectural models I had encountered. Despite its modest scale, this endeavour has been a rich journey of enlightenment in design and construction methodologies. I aspire that the insights gained from this undertaking will pave the way for larger-scale bamboo construction projects, offering a profound understanding of the material's behaviour and effective implementation of design concepts on a grander canvas.

To craft this stool, I relied primarily on bamboo planks and bamboo pins to reinforce its structure. My creative journey commenced with a humble sketch in my notebook, meticulously detailing dimensions and assembly instructions.

Originally envisioning a coffee table, the project organically evolved into a stool as I honed in on the ideal dimensions and proportions. Juggling my time between assisting with the yurts and embarking on the stool project, I was pleasantly surprised by how swiftly it all came together. Completing the stool in just two days was quite an accomplishment, aided in part by the invaluable guidance of Nimas, a member of the Bamboo U team.

Approaching each session with an open mind during the courses, I eagerly absorbed insights from the skilled carpenters and Bamboo U team. Engaging in numerous discussions, I aligned my vision for the stool while grasping the nuances of bamboo behaviour in line with my design.

Beginning with a rudimentary cardboard template, I crafted outlines to form a mould, securing them in place with nails. Laminating bamboo planks and shaping them to fit the mould, I used nails and clamps to ensure a secure hold until the bamboo dried. Assembling the pieces with glue and bamboo pins, the structure took shape. A final touch of sanding and varnish bestowed a flawless finish upon the stool.

This project was a profound educational journey, imparting invaluable lessons on bamboo craftsmanship and the significance of adaptability in design endeavours.

Witnessing the transformation of the stool into a refined piece of furniture filled me with joy. Though my original plan was to craft it into a coffee table, the shift to a stool felt right. Completing this project brought a sense of fulfilment. The stool personified the envisioned look and could even bear my weight.

Honestly, I didn't set high expectations for this endeavour as my focus was divided between  constructing the yurt and the stool. Hence, I approached the session with an open mind and gave it my all within the time constraints. I aim to delve into technical construction methods in real-life scenarios to expand my knowledge and potentially apply them on a larger scale in future projects.

This course provided a golden opportunity to deeply understand bamboo and its practical applications in construction. Collaborating closely with Nimas and the skilled carpenters from start to finish was priceless. Their guidance and assistance were indispensable in completing the stool in just two days.