Cris Sola

“From Barcelona to Thailand, a Journey of Love for Bamboo Construction”

Since my childhood in Barcelona, my fascination with construction and design has deeply rooted itself. I spent my days building treehouses and learning from my grandfather in furniture restoration, nurturing my love for the art of building.

During my final year of university, exploring sustainable construction projects, I had a transformative moment upon discovering an image of an impressive bamboo house emerging from the jungle. Its organic forms seamlessly integrated with the surrounding palm trees, revealing bamboo’s potential in architecture. This discovery ignited my fascination with bamboo and drove me to explore its possibilities further.

In 2014, I embarked on a journey of knowledge through Southeast Asia. I traveled through countries such as the Philippines, Cambodia, Laos, Indonesia, and finally arrived in Thailand, where I collaborated on various projects of social architecture and natural construction, enriching myself with knowledge from diverse cultures.

In 2018, I settled in northeastern Thailand, collaborating for two years with the Bamboo Forest School Foundation. During this time, I made periodic visits to the island of Bali to delve into the ancient Balinese bamboo construction technique, renowned for its innovative and sustainable use of bamboo, meticulous craftsmanship, and ability to create spaces that harmonize with the natural and cultural environment, offering exceptional beauty and functionality. Thanks to this learning, I was able to implement all acquired knowledge into my designs and constructions.

In 2020, I moved to Chiang Mai in northern Thailand, where I founded Sola Bamboo Architecture Co., Ltd. I chose this place because I found the perfect setting for my passion for conscious architecture and sustainable design. We have made it our spiritual home, where our vision and values materialize, offering us the opportunity to leave a legacy of respect for nature and conscious design.

The rich Thai culture, rooted in tradition and innovation, combined with the genuine hospitality of its people and the incomparable beauty of its landscapes, were crucial in my decision. Thailand continues to be a constant source of inspiration, with lush jungles, crystal-clear beaches, and energetic cities, offering an endless canvas for our projects.