This unique earthen wall feature explores how bamboo, earth and reclaimed glass can be combined in a distinctive wall system. The project uses raw and recycled materials to create a wall that is structural, practical and visually expressive.

The wall framework was built from whole canes of Guadua angustifolia, supported by bamboo splits or laths. Together, these elements formed a woven bamboo framework, or wattle, strong enough to hold the earthen infill.

The infill was made primarily from clay soil, sand and straw, with bamboo sawdust collected from the worksite added back into the mixture. Coarser, stony material was incorporated into the lower parts of the wall, where additional bulk and resistance were useful. Glass bottles were positioned within the bamboo framework before the earthen mixture was packed around them.

The bottle arrangement was designed around a large semicircular glass pane, with the composition inspired by a rising sun. This required the bamboo framework, bottles and earthen infill to be planned together from the beginning rather than treated as separate decorative additions.

Once the wall had dried, it was coated with several layers of earthen plaster made from refined clay (sieved), lime, sand and egg whites. The plaster was worked toward a semi-smooth finish that is durable, scratch resistant and water resistant. Sculpted reliefs were then added around the central window and across the lower third of the wall, giving the surface additional depth and artistic character. The clay-lime-egg plaster was impressive to work with and very versatile.

One key learning was the importance of sequencing: the bottles, window form and bamboo pattern needed to be established early so the infill and plaster could form a continuous wall around them. The project also demonstrated how bamboo sawdust and other materials generated during construction can be returned to the building process rather than discarded.