You've never seen buildings like this. The stunning bamboo homes built by Elora Hardy and her team in Bali twist, curve and surprise at every turn. They defy convention because the bamboo itself is so enigmatic. No two poles of bamboo are alike, so every home, bridge and bathroom is exquisitely unique. In this beautiful, immersive talk, she shares the potential of bamboo, as both a sustainable resource and a spark for the imagination. "We have had to invent our own rules," she says.

Magical houses, made of bamboo

Bamboo, a fast-growing wild grass, enables the creation of luxurious, curving homes and bridges that challenge conventional building rules. Structures in Bali now use bamboo’s strength—comparable to steel and concrete—to craft everything from giant woven pods to basket-like bathrooms. Decades of prejudice against bamboo are fading with new treatment methods that help buildings last a lifetime. By embracing bamboo’s quirks, builders unlock both beauty and environmental responsibility.