gilbert@orangutanhaven.com

Gilbert is an architect and craftsman whose career spans sustainable architecture, bamboo and wood construction, and ecological design. Educated at the Technical University of Graz, Austria, and Udayana University, Bali, he combines European technical training with Southeast Asian vernacular knowledge to create a unique cross‑cultural design perspective.

Since 2017, Gilbert has served as Planning & Construction Manager and Co-Head of Bamboo Production & Utilization at Orangutan Haven in Sumatra, where he oversees bamboo cultivation, treatment, design and construction for one of Southeast Asia’s leading conservation and education projects. His leadership has advanced bamboo as a renewable alternative to carbon‑intensive materials, integrating local resources, community engagement, and long‑term environmental goals.

His portfolio includes collaboration with renowned bamboo engineer Jörg Stamm on the Haven Bridge, volunteer work at Green School Bali, and participation in international workshops. These experiences connect him to a global network of innovators and reinforce his expertise in bamboo as both structural and regenerative material.

Beyond practice, Gilbert contributes as a lecturer at international bamboo festivals across Europe and Asia, sharing knowledge on bamboo construction, material behavior, and sustainable design. His early foundation in carpentry and interior architecture — developed through family business experience in Austria and professional work in the UK — enriches his craftsmanship and precision in bamboo joinery.

Through this blend of academic grounding, hands‑on expertise, and international collaboration, Gilbert continues to advance bamboo as a cornerstone of regenerative architecture and ecological innovation.