Yangon-based architecture and design studio Blue Temple has built affordable bamboo housing, providing earthquake-resistant homes for displaced families at the price of a smartphone in Mandalay, Myanmar.

For the cost of a smartphone, displaced families can now afford earthquake-resistant, affordable homes thanks to a field-tested bamboo modular housing system.

An earthquake with a magnitude of 7.7 occurred in central Myanmar in March 2025. Mandalay, the second-biggest city in the nation, was reduced to rubble. 

Cluster of completed bamboo modular houses built for internally displaced families in central Myanmar. Image © Aung Htay Hlaing

Before the earthquake, 26 bamboo homes constructed by Housing NOW for families previously uprooted by conflict stood only 15 kilometers from the epicenter. All of the houses were completely undamaged despite the overlapping problems.

According to Blue Temple, for the cost of a smartphone, each unit can be constructed in less than a week. 

The method, which turns an underappreciated, widely accessible species from local markets into a structurally interconnecting frame, is based on a very creative usage of bundled small-diameter bamboo. 

Construction phase of modular bamboo housing, with IDP-built units visible in the background. Image © Aung Htay Hlaing

Under the direction of Housing NOW's technical staff, families participate in the assembly, and the geometric system allows for layout and façade modifications while distributing seismic stresses. 

The earthquake served as the final demonstration that bamboo housing could provide resilience and dignity on a large scale in one of the world's most vulnerable environments.

Exterior view of a bamboo relief house on raised stilts, built with woven bamboo panels for displaced families. Image © Raphaël Ascoli

"But Housing NOW is not limited to a single model. Over the past five years, the initiative has been testing three parallel strategies for housing in conflict-affected Myanmar: (1) bundled modular prefab housing, rapid and low-cost, now field-proven against both earthquakes and high-wind events; (2) the DIY Bamboo Manual, with 500 copies printed and distributed to help communities build autonomously with local tools and materials; and (3) an optimized cash-for-shelter approach, upgrading self-built homes by guiding families and carpenters with technical expertise and structural advice," said Blue Temple. 

Close-up of the bundled bamboo joints and interlocking structural geometry during construction. Image © Aung Htay Hlaing

When combined, these techniques create a toolkit for crisis-adapted, dignified housing that can be modified to fit various supply chains, geographical locations, and community involvement levels.

Detail of bundled bamboo structural columns and bracing, anchored on raised footings. Image © Aung Htay Hlaing

A smartphone today usually costs between $1,000 and $1,300, which is a price that many people consider reasonable for such cutting-edge technology. It's interesting to note that this is also the approximate cost of constructing a low-cost modular home for families who have been internally displaced. 

Purchasing home can give one a roof over their head as well as a long-lasting foundation for stability and security, as building only takes seven days each unit. 

Since housing is frequently as inexpensive as the newest smartphone, this comparison shows how important it is to prioritize necessities. It challenges us to consider areas in which our resources might have a more significant and long-lasting influence.

Side elevation of a bamboo relief house showing woven bamboo façade and raised foundation. Image © Raphaël Ascoli

Worker fabricating bundled bamboo connections with hand tools on site. Image © Aung Htay Hlaing

Two builders assembling a bamboo column footing, combining bundled culms with steel bracing. Image © Aung Htay Hlaing

Close-up of bamboo bundle jointing, showing steel straps and geometric interlocking. Image © Aung Htay Hlaing

Interior shot of a finished bamboo modular housing unit, built entirely with bundled bamboo and community labor. Image © Aung Htay Hlaing

Interior shot of a finished bamboo modular housing unit, built entirely with bundled bamboo and community labor. Image © Aung Htay Hlaing

Children and teachers inside a bamboo classroom, part of Housing NOW’s community-built structures. Image © Raphaël Ascoli

Construction team standing in front of a completed bamboo relief house in central Myanmar. Image © Raphaël Ascoli

Documentation of bamboo structural assembly process, highlighting bundled bamboo joints and sequencing. Image © Nyan Lin Aung

Exterior view of bamboo modular housing under construction, showing bundled frame assembly. Image © Raphaël Ascoli

Construction site of Hmawbi bamboo pre-school, with bamboo structure partially completed. Image © Raphaël Ascoli

Interior perspective of bamboo modular housing under construction, showing bundled frame assembly. Image © Raphaël Ascoli

Blue Temple is an architecture and design studio based in Yangon, Myanmar. 

Established in 2016, the company creates projects ranging from large-scale public infrastructure to cultural installations, all while operating at the nexus of computational design and humanitarian architecture.

Project facts

Official project name: Housing NOW
Location: Mandalay, Myanmar
Year: 2019–2025

Architects/Designers: Blue Temple

Construction manager: Ko Zin
Project type: Low-cost modular housing for internally displaced families
Units built: 79 units
Construction time: 7 days per unit
Unit cost: USD $1,000–$1,300 (the price of a smartphone)
DIY manuals printed: 500 copies distributed nationwide
Awards: MIT Solve (2023), Good Energies Prize (2023), UNICEF Innovation30 (2023), Nikkei Asia Award (2025)

The top image in the article: Row of bamboo modular homes with children cycling through the displacement camp. Image © Aung Htay Hlaing. 

All images © Aung Htay Hlaing, Raphaël Ascoli.

> via Blue Temple

affordable housing bamboo Blue Temple housing resistant homes