Saevfors Consulting 2026

HONEYCOMB WALL PANEL MODULE

The Honeycomb modular system is meant to be an economic alternative to the cement-based blocks + reinforced concrete for corner columns and wall-top ring beams, construction. This is the most widespread preference all over the world, particularly in low-income, sub-urban areas. Not many other options can compete price-wise, including so-called “local” materials.
In an urban context the availability and transport costs may rule out even adobe-compressed-earth alternatives which require the crucial clay component.

Bamboo as a permanent construction material, is now an economic alternative if sourced and produced on an industrial scale. It’s fast-growing - 3-4 years for construction grade Ø 10 cm - even compared to planted pine species. And it´s still long-lasting if treated against insects and mould.

The KnockedDown project

An interesting idea by a local contractor in Thailand, was based on bamboo prefab house components to be sold in flat packs, like “Ikea-style”. The project was therefore known as “KnockedDown”. Just because it was typically an “out-of-the-box” concept it might have had success but finally put on hold because of market uncertainty..

aircraft — *Honeycomb impact resistant design adapted to bamboo*

*Honeycomb impact resistant design adapted to bamboo*

If bamboo culms are cut at the same length and placed on a chip board a thin, galvanized plaster grid can be stapled on top. The whole cluster of stubs can then be flipped upside-down and dipped in a plaster mix. A thin external ferro-cement skin is in this way created to protect the bamboo stubs.

External skin

The result is a totally flush, planar wall panel with a water-resistant exterior. The honeycomb concept allows for precise dimensional standards which is essential for prefab production and results in an equal wall thickness all over. In this way the natural irregularities of bamboo can be circumvented. Vertical bamboo poles provide the load-bearing structure. The honeycomb cluster in between, made from cross cut bamboo "left overs", makes an impact resistant wall. The same design principle is often used in aluminium shell manufacturing for aircraft. Supposedly these short pieces of bamboo could be sourced from bamboo sawmills or dealers at a very low price since they otherwise may be thrown or burnt as waste. If they are cut from long bamboo poles already treated with borax, full protection is already there.

Detailed manual...