Furniture Design Using Bamboo for Affordable Housing Interiors in Ogun State

Bamboo, a fast-growing and mechanically robust plant species abundant in parts of South West Nigeria, represents an underutilised material resource for affordable furniture production. This project investigates the structural and aesthetic properties of bamboo harvested from plantations in Ogun State and applies these properties to the design and fabrication of furniture appropriate for low-income housing interiors. Nigeria's housing deficit and the high cost of conventional timber have created a significant gap in the market for durable, affordable interior furnishings. A material characterisation study was conducted on five bamboo species grown in Sagamu and Ijebu-Ode areas, assessing tensile strength, bending stiffness, moisture absorption, and pest resistance after treatment. Furniture prototypes developed include a two-seater sofa frame, a dining table, a bookshelf, and a storage bench, all using jointing and lashing techniques adapted for low-skill fabrication. Structural load tests confirmed that treated bamboo assemblies meet residential furniture safety standards. Consumer evaluation with forty low-income households in Abeokuta assessed comfort, appearance, and perceived value relative to plywood and chipboard equivalents. Results indicate strong preference for bamboo furniture on grounds of perceived naturalness and cost, though concerns were raised regarding surface finish durability. The project recommends that the Ogun State Forestry Commission establish certified bamboo supply chains to support furniture micro-enterprises. This work advances sustainable material use in Nigerian interior product design. Keywords: bamboo furniture, affordable housing, sustainable materials, Ogun State, interior design.