Hao Dang set out to create a sustainable home when he purchased a lush plot of land in southeastern Vietnam in 2008. Made completely out of bamboo, the house took two years to build. It was completed last year.
The house is located about 30 miles outside Ho Chi Minh City in the district of Trảng Bàng. Mr. Dang said he choose this location for its natural setting. The house, surrounded by a river and rice fields, 'completely blends in with the landscape,' he said.
The owner, who runs a company that manufactures bamboo furniture and building materials, designed the home and worked with local builders and architects to execute the plans.
Mr. Dang estimates spending some $100,000 for the land and about $500,000 on construction. He said the cost to build was similar to a concrete house, but the labor costs were 'very high.'
The house is completely open to the outside. Large sliders can be used when it rains. Because of the home's bamboo construction, it has zero carbon dioxide, or CO2, emissions, unlike concrete homes, he said.
There are four bedrooms and one bathroom, which has a hand-carved stone tub.
The furniture was custom-made by Mr. Dang's company and is included in the sale.
The house uses solar energy, and waste is composted and used as fertilizer. The property also holds a vegetable garden and game such as chickens and ducks. 'The idea is to promote a lifestyle that is completely natural with full respect for the environment,' Mr. Dang said.
The Vietnam native, who lives in Ho Chi Minh City, said he uses the bamboo house as a second home. While there, he prefers to feel the earth underneath his toes. 'I never wear shoes, because it's so nice to walk around,' he said.
Mr. Dang said potential buyers would be interviewed and given a questionnaire. He describes the ideal buyer as 'somebody who is very green and environmentally conscious. They have to fit this criterion, otherwise, the person would not fit the house.'
Mr. Dang listed the home himself in October for $1 million, but he's not in a rush to sell it. 'I'm not just interested in selling an object,' he said. 'It's not about money. It's about promoting a living style that fully respects the environment.'