A modular building includes at least one outer wall that includes at least first and second panels aligned end to end at a panel joint. Each panel includes first planks forming a part of the outer wall of the building and second planks forming a first decorative wall fixed to the outer wall. The decorative wall extends substantially perpendicular to the outer wall and terminates beyond the first planks on at least one side of the panel. The space between the first decorative wall of the panel and an adjacent decorative wall of a second panel accommodates a shelving unit or a joint cover strip that covers the panel joint.

The invention relates to a construction apparatus with a first and second construction part each including a receiving portion. An interlocking means is included, adapt to be received in the receiving portions of the first and second construction parts when put together to maintain the first panel and second panel together. The invention relates to a construction apparatus made of bamboo. The invention also relates to methods of use of the invention. The invention also relates to an engineered bamboo panel.

A wall comprises building blocks with opposing like outer members spaced apart by at least two risers as cross members inward from outer member ends leaving a center open with a void between the outer members and the risers. The risers extend from the bottom of the block to above the outer member tops. A continuous tongue projects upward from the top of the outer members parallel thereto along the length of the outer member and mates with grooves along the bottom of a similar outer member stackable thereon for ease of block alignment. A next stacked block is nailed to the risers projecting into its center.

A beam and bolting construction method and an example dwelling (10) according to the method are provided. The method involves preliminary steps of selecting a site and determining a bolt array (19) and selection of dimensions and materials. Actual construction steps include forming a foundation slab (14) having vertical bolts (18) embedded therein in accordance with the bolt array (19). Alternating layers of beams (B), having aligned bolt bores (52) for receiving the bolts, are successively laid down over the bolts (18), with sides meeting at corners (29) with alternating sides encompassing the corner bolt. Once a desired height is achieved, washers (72) and nuts (78) are placed on the bolts and are tightened to desired pressure levels. The dwelling (10) is formed with beams (42) compressed together by threaded bolts (18) in a bolt array (19).