Thailand-based architecture and engineering practice Chiangmai Life Construction (CLC) have developed a net zero sports hall made entirely from bamboo, earth and stone.

Panyaden International School in the city of Chiang Mai required a larger assembly space and an indoor sports facility protecting students from the elements in both the wet and dry seasons. CLC had previously designed the school’s other buildings, using rammed earth building methods and layered bamboo roofs, and were commissioned to create the new 780sq m (8,400sq ft) space.

The school bases its core teachings on Buddhist educational principles, and as such the lotus flower – an important symbol in the religion – inspired the structure's form.

The brief also called for an environmentally mindful building with a low carbon footprint, and as such CLC used all natural materials, creating bamboo trusses. These were lifted into place and span more than 15m (49ft) without any steel reinforcements.

“Two engineers were used to carefully calculate the loads, tensions and shear forces," said a CLC statement. "We designed the structure according to 21st century engineering practices, with the huge bamboo arches creating a space that is large and cosy at the same time. Ventilation is provided through openings between the three-layered roof. These openings also bring in light.”

The hall provides space for sports including futsal, volleyball, basketball and badminton, while elevated balconies provide observation areas for spectators.

East and Southeast Asia are emerging as hotbeds of architectural bamboo innovation, with Ibuku in Indonesia, Vo Trong Nghia in Vietnam and William Lim in Hong Kong just some of the designers using the material to create strong, sustainable and aesthetically pleasing leisure buildings.