Bamboo under construction and sustainable architecture. Why use it?

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Bamboo in construction and sustainable architecture
Architecture projects with bamboo

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Bamboo in construction and sustainable architecture

The bamboo It has always been part of architecture as a construction material but, since the TED channel conference (later video) of the designer projectionist Laura hardy We will begin to understand that its usefulness as a structural element is impressive.

In interior design it goes much further than the simple use of this ecological material belonging to the poaceae or grass familyin a building or dwelling.

Visually… it's shocking! It has an almost perfect elasticity and flex with. Good resistance, and, in addition, it is very cheap.

So the uses of bamboo in decoration It is an option, but not the only one. (Also see the construction of biological houses made with agricultural waste)

Experimenting with this cane material in structures is surprising even the most avant-garde architects who see a new opportunity to build cheaper and totally sustainable homes.

As we can see in the following image, the architecture with bamboo it is capable of combining interior design and structure in the same cabin.

The good results of bamboo in construction is opening up new perspectives to use similar materials such as cane or wicker, which are traditionally more derived in objects, to propose new uses, abilities and functionalities.

Bamboo as a building material

It has been shown over the centuries that bamboo constructions are resistant and last over the years, especially in areas of Asia where this material is abundant and widely used locally.

Bamboo comes from the grass genus, that is, a grass but with the peculiarity that it has a woody trunk that is the bamboo that we all know. You have to consider that you have two main advantages over its traditionally direct competitor, wood.

One, his growth rate (State of maximum hardness is established after 3 years) and secondly, its ease of propagation, which is even inconvenient in some cases. It grows on almost every continent except for Europe.

The bamboo as a sustainable material absorbs considerably more carbon dioxide than pine. It is a true storehouse of carbon dioxide, remember that it is the most powerful greenhouse gas emitted by our factories and transport, and the culprit of climate change.

It usually has a life of 10 years and when it dies, it returns the carbon dioxide to the atmosphere with what is preferable - in that aspect - to take advantage of it and for a new litter to grow.

Characteristics of bamboo as a material:

Although it seems disconcerting In some technical aspects it has a better behavior than wood itself, concrete and even steel.

The characteristics of bamboo in construction provides skills and advantages over other materials; With a good relationship between resistance and elasticity, an important question in structural matters.

We can expand the information on the bamboo cane under construction and its capabilities as a construction and structural material from the following guide document.

Advantages of bamboo in construction

Use the bamboo in architecture It can bring multiple benefits, especially from an environmental perspective without losing the capabilities of a resistant and economically viable material. So let's see the advantages of build with reeds:

The growth of bamboo is very fast. It achieves an approximate yield of 3.3 times that of wood, without counting the benefits that occur from soil desertification and deforestation.
It does not produce waste. It is totally biodegradable.
It requires little energy for its production, with a low ecological footprint that helps reduce CO2 emissions compared to traditional concrete.
In bamboo in constructionDue to its fibrous composition, it allows longitudinal and transverse cuts.
Because it has a hollow interior, that is, the weight of the material is very light, achieving light structures, and also, it is much easier to transport.
It has a high resistance to traction comparable to steel, and to compression, comparable to concrete
Due to its flexibility, resistance and toughness capabilities, it is an excellent material for all types of furniture, structures, coatings, drains, etc.

It is also interesting to see the following TED conference (Subtitled in Spanish) that explains a little more about the subject:

Disadvantages of bamboo in construction

Obviously, like all material used in construction sites, it has some drawbacks that we must consider when we are constructing a building.

Bamboo elements do not always have the same shape and also, it depends a lot on the species: growth, humidity, age, etc.
The trunk does not always grow straight and can be a big problem when we use the bamboo under construction.
The conical shape of the shaft causes the diameter to change throughout its length.
Due to its non-circular section, there are difficulties in the anchoring of the different elements when we build a house with bamboo.
Like wood, bamboo is also vulnerable to different insects and fungi.
When used in the construction sector, due to the vulnerability of the sun's ultraviolet rays, protection and maintenance is necessary.
As we do not have a homogeneous material, there are difficulties in the structural calculation and more, if we speak from a normative perspective.
Special care must be taken with bamboo plantations and their relationship with ecosystems. It can become an invasive species if there is no strict control.

Architecture projects with bamboo

Examples of architecture with bamboo There are many, and more if we consider that this material is claiming its status, either because it is required by large architectural firms for their projects with groundbreaking designs for homes or buildings, or as that old structural material with a future guaranteed by properties (strong, hard, flexible, cheap, renewable, durable), cost and low environmental impact, the reality is that it provides an unequaled simplicity and beauty.

In the video of the TED conference itself we can see the Sharma Springs house as an escape from the fantasy of the jungle. Six levels, 4 bedrooms, 750 square meters make up a single family home overlooking the Ayung River Valley… A visual spectacle of a house built with bamboo!

If you want to know more about the project from ibuku.com. But not only when we talk about this material we refer to the structure, roofs or walls. The use and use of bamboo in interior design and decoration and even in industrial design is very involved.

It is also widely used in tourist complexes for its striking visual and its commitment as a sustainable and local material. A perfect example is the Ulaman hotel …

Bamboo decoration project example

Fifteen conical bamboo columns support the ceiling of this café designed by Vo Trong Nghia Architects in a hotel in central Vietnam.

Industrial design example with bamboo

Design by the Dutch Tejo Remy and René Veenhuizen. The adaptability of this interesting material allows the design of curved shape and with a high resistance, the use of bamboo It can cover many fields, and in industrial object design it is perfect.

Bamboo for social development

An excellent example of social architecture is the BB project (Blooming Bamboo by H&P Architects). In Vietnam, natural phenomena are serious and diverse: storms, floods, hurricanes, landslides, etc … Endless natural disasters that hit the country every year reducing the development of the affected areas.

A solution for houses and homes of millions of these people is the present project. The users can build the bamboo house by themselves in 25 days, a very well thought out self-construction that is already a reality for many inhabitants.

A sustainable project finalist in the Architizer A and Award awards. In addition, it can be produced in modules and the total cost of the house is only $ 2,500. (To learn more about Architizer … HERE)