Systematization of the Manual Construction Process for a Screwed and Strapped Laminated Curved Bamboo Beam in Jericoacoara, Brazil: A Sustainable Low-Tech Approach

The construction sector is a major contributor to environmental degradation due to high energy consumption and CO2 emissions. This study presents a low-tech, sustainable construction system based on the manual fabrication of curved laminated bamboo beams, assembled with screws and steel straps, without adhesives or heavy machinery. The case study is part of a bamboo roof structure built within Jericoacoara National Park, Brazil, using Dendrocalamus asper for its mechanical strength and carbon storage capacity. The construction process of three vertical lower laminated curved beams (Vig.CLIV-1, CLIV-2, and CLIV-3) was systematized into two main phases—preparation and construction. Due to the level of detail involved, only Vig.CLIV-1 is fully presented, broken down into work items, processes, and sub-processes to identify critical points for quality control and time efficiency. Comparative analysis of the three beams complements the findings, highlighting differences in logistics, labor performance, and learning outcomes. The results demonstrate the potential of this handcrafted system to achieve high geometric accuracy in complex site conditions, with low embodied energy and strong replicability. Developed by bamboo specialists from Colombia and Peru with support from local assistants, this experience illustrates the viability of low-impact, appropriate construction solutions for ecologically sensitive contexts and advances the integration of sustainable, replicable practices in architectural design.