The Banwag bamboo dome in the Philippines is a clear example of how Sauleda fabric can be adapted to any type of architecture, even the most complex, giving buildings a light and organic appearance, with shapes that would be very difficult to achieve with other materials.
Built with advanced architectural design and production techniques, it is a true feat of engineering in treated bamboo. Its assembly, made with stainless steel nodes, reinforces its structural solidity and modern aesthetics. The structure is covered with special Sauleda Masacril fabric in beige. This fabric has a high colour fastness and exceptional durability, but above all it stands out for its tolerance to water thanks to a resin finish, which allows it to withstand water columns of up to 1000 mm.
Its structure is composed of a complex geometric pattern of star-shaped triangles, supported by a central mast and anchored by a copper pin at its midpoint.
This structure, commissioned by the Pablo Sarmiento Group, is located near the future government centre as a meeting place and as a symbol of peace between Muslims, Christians and Lumads.
The name “Banwag” in Visayan means “lighthouse” or “illumination”, a concept that perfectly conveys the essence of this work. Inspired by the decorative patterns of Islamic architecture and the domes of ancient mosques and cathedrals, its design interweaves past and present with a unique elegance.
Apart from its aesthetics, the Banwag is also designed to be functional. Its textile covering allows for efficient natural ventilation through the chimney effect: warm air rises while cold air rises, taking advantage of this current to ventilate the spaces. In addition, its light shade absorbs less heat, maintaining a pleasant temperature while allowing light to pass through in a subtle way, creating a bright and welcoming space. Another spectacular detail is its ability to transform: a multicoloured LED lighting system turns the dome into a visual spectacle by illuminating the fabric from the inside and highlighting the bamboo patterns on the outside.
Banwag is not only an architectural structure; it is a meeting place, a symbol of diversity and a beacon that lights the way to peaceful and harmonious coexistence.
