In colombia bambusa guadua that grows there is often referred as organic steel, need little maintanance over the years and grows everywhere so its pretty cheap (not to say almost free). Abundancy has made them to use it creatively for the construction, also considering its properties.
Here is another great video of a Bamboo house designed by Nick Oosterveen, Sustainable designer.
Here is another link to get a tour in Hawaiian Bamboo house.
