Daisy Pak faced a challenge when she set her sights on becoming a bamboo scaffolder—the fear of heights. Despite this, the 32-year-old gradually conquered her fear and developed a deep passion for working with bamboo, a material deeply rooted in Hong Kong’s construction history. Pak specializes in crafting bamboo lattices high above ground to replace exterior building fixtures like windows and air conditioners.
For Pak, transitioning to bamboo scaffolding from her past job at a nightclub marked a significant turning point in her life. However, the tragic Wang Fuk Court fire incident in Hong Kong on November 26, 2025, brought attention to the safety of bamboo scaffolding practices. The fire, one of the deadliest in years, engulfed seven out of eight blocks in the apartment complex, all covered in bamboo scaffolding and safety netting, resulting in the loss of at least 168 lives and the displacement of nearly 5,000 residents.
Following the fire, bamboo scaffolding faced scrutiny as the green netting and some bamboo lattices caught fire and collapsed. The community defended the traditional technique, attributing the fire’s rapid spread to flammable materials like styrofoam used to seal windows and substandard netting surrounding the scaffolding.
The investigation into the fire is ongoing, with multiple arrests made on suspicion of manslaughter and corruption related to the estate’s renovation. While bamboo scaffolding has a rich history in Hong Kong, the government has signaled a shift towards using metal scaffolding for safety reasons and to align with international construction standards.
Despite the advantages of bamboo scaffolding, such as its cost-effectiveness and adaptability, safety concerns have prompted authorities to phase out its use in new construction projects. With a push towards metal scaffolding, industry experts acknowledge the benefits of steel in terms of durability and safety.
While some in the industry believe there is still value in preserving bamboo scaffolding for certain applications, the overall trend indicates a gradual transition towards metal scaffolding. The debate between the traditional charm of bamboo scaffolding and the safety benefits of metal continues as Hong Kong navigates its construction landscape.