Bamboo Workshop

April 17-23, 2006

      With the publication of "How to Build with Bamboo" (Gibbs-Smith Publishing, January, 2005 ), I (the author) will conduct a seminar on bamboo utilization. Focusing on the many projects in the book, everyone will be given the opportunity to experience building their own personal bamboo artifact. I have planted many species of bamboo on the property, and the groves are thriving. With this abundant natural resource, I hope to provide the rewarding and informative experience of collecting the raw material and fashioning a utilitarian bamboo object.

We are fortunate to have the Tropical Agriculture Research Station (TARS) within a short drive from the treehouse. Indeed, the proximity to the station was one of the main criteria for locating our slice of paradise in Rincon'. TARS is the only station in the USDA devoted entirely to tropical agriculture. It was from the station that I was able to obtain and transplant all of the bamboo now growing on our land. TARS recently celebrated its centennial, and it has a rich bamboo history, as well as having one the largest collection of bamboo in the Western hemisphere. With over 100 years of collection and propagation, the 200 acres of the station contains exotic tropical species from all over the world. We will devote an entire day to exploring the station, and viewing the huge inventory of tropical flora.

A visit along the local stream that ran through the sugar cane fields is also planned. Bamboo was planted along the banks to maintain its' course, and prevent erosion with its dense, interlocking fibrous roots. The well established canopy of bamboo was a source for much of the bamboo interior funiture and architecture details of the treehouse. I always enjoy a visit, as will participants of our bamboo workshop.

Availability- 8 participants. Lodging, transportation, airport shuttle, meals provided. Cost: $1200/person, $2,000/couple

Schedule

Monday- Welcome, participant arrival, orientation, tour of the land, accommodations set-up. With participants arriving at various times, the schedule will necessarily be serendipitous and unstructured. Evening dinner.

Tuesday- 9:00 AM-Introduction to bamboo-the plant, its evolution, its character, its many utilitarian functions through history. Introduction to common tools and 21st century tools to work with bamboo. noon lunch, afternoon free, evening dinner.

Wednesday- 9:00 AM-Project selection, bamboo collection, and individual tutoring. Projects can be selected from the book, or many other examples as seen at the house. I highly recommend the torchiere table lamp- an elegant design utilizing minimal bamboo, and easily packed into luggage for the return trip. Other suggested projects include a bamboo centerpiece candle/flower holder, table task lamp, burmese bamboo ball, bamboo chandelier, or bamboo jewelery box. (see products ) Noon lunch, afternoon free, evening dinner.

Thursday- Project completion, finishing. Noon lunch, afternoon free, Evening dinner

Friday- 9:00 AM -Tour of TARS- all day. Bag lunch, Evening dinner

Saturday- River tour, AM. Noon lunch, afternoon free, Evening dinner

Sunday- Open, unscheduled- Breakfast, all day free, departure.

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