Bamboo Viewing Platform, Luang Prabang, Laos,
Built in 2024

Following the construction of several built projects in South East Asia using natural materials, and seeing the growing interest and response in sustainable design and materials such as bamboo, Building Trust International was asked by conservation charity Free the Bears to design a new bear viewing platform to be built from bamboo in Luang Prabang National Park.

​

Free the Bears works tirelessly to combat the illegal trade in live bears and to provide a safe sanctuary for rescued bears at the Tat Kuang Si Rescue Centre. The bear viewing platform is an exciting new feature at the Free the Bears project in Laos, where visitors can enjoy viewing wildlife from this new space.

​

The project uses locally sourced bamboo to form the structure and builds on the success of the Bamboo Trees workshop held at the park in 2015 with Free the Bears. Construction took place during a two-week design-and-build workshop, with participants joining from around the world to learn about sustainable design and building with local materials.

​

With thanks to Free the Bears, Building Trust International volunteers and the amazing local Laotian team.