Over the years, bamboo has been used for architecture in countries and civilizations with fewer economic resources, in rural areas or with more difficulties in the use of other materials. Nowadays, bamboo architecture is being used much more in more developed and advanced areas, as it is an ecological material with great advantages in its use for the structures of some constructions or as a complementary material. In this week’s article we want to explain about this material that you may not know much about, or you do, but not applied in architecture. Whether for a comprehensive renovation of your home or for new construction, bamboo can be a very good material to use and give a more ecological and innovative air to your home. We will explain how bamboo serves both structurally and constructively and its integration even into interior design.
A little history of bamboo
Bamboo has been used in Asian countries for more than 6,000 years. The growth rate of bamboo is very fast, it can reach one meter per day, therefore, in ten years of tree growth you can obtain twice as much bamboo. This rapid growth reduces costs considerably and also greatly reduces deforestation, because when new stems are cut, they germinate from the same plant, which can survive for about 100 years. The length of bamboo poles can reach more than 30 meters and the diameter is between 45 and 60 cm. The cane can be cut at any time of the year, which makes this material much more accessible for any time when you want to build. The purpose of the rods depends on their diameter, the thinner one is used, for example, for pipes or substructures, and the larger diameter is used as a load-bearing element in the structure.
Characteristics of bamboo for architecture
Among all the characteristics of bamboo, it should be noted that its tensile strength exceeds 20% of steel. As it has great flexibility, its behavior in the face of the earthquake can be considered excellent.
The structure of bamboo canes creates air bubbles inside, so the insulation and acoustic properties are also very good. The estimated cost of buildings made with this material is 70% lower than that of other types of constructions. Ease of use and simple cutting and assembly tools mean that this type of construction does not require high-quality workmanship. It is true that natural materials from biological sources can have durability problems, but reeds can be effectively treated with anti-corrosion from the start. In addition, when installing them, adequate design protection must be considered, which basically includes avoiding direct contact with sources of constant humidity and direct exposure to solar radiation, although its effects are not as important as those of water.
What can we use bamboo for in architecture?
Before answering this point, we must clarify that, according to studies, it has been shown that bamboo can be used in countries where it is not native, since the carbon footprint it leaves and the energy demand it needs is not much. With the latter clarified, there are many ways to make architecture with bamboo, either with interior design motifs alone or using it structurally for the skin or skeleton of the building itself. Using bamboo poles, you can set up internal enclosures and partitions, as well as a roof. The most avant-garde are using bamboo to design and build much more sustainable and economical houses. With bamboo, a symbiosis between design and structure can also be created, since, by creating this structure of bamboo canes, it can be left in view and create a totally different and pleasant interior space.
Advantages of Bamboo Architecture
The use of bamboo in construction can bring many benefits, especially from an environmental point of view, without losing the function of durable and economically viable materials. At this point we talk about the advantages of building with bamboo cane:
- Compared to traditional concrete, it requires less energy to produce and has a low ecological footprint, which helps reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
- Many more benefits are created thanks to the low desertification and deforestation of the soil it generates.
- Bamboo grows very fast. Its yield is approximately 3 times that of wood.
- Thanks to the structure of bamboo canes, it allows longitudinal and transverse cuts to be made due to its fiber composition. It is hollow inside, i.e. the weight of the material is very light, which makes it lighter and easier to carry.
- It is a material that does not create any type of waste and is 100% biodegradable.
- Due to its flexibility, resistance and tenacity, it is an excellent material suitable for all types of furniture, structures, coatings, drainage pipes, etc.
- It has the tensile force equivalent to steel and the compressive capacity equivalent to concrete.
Disadvantages of Bamboo
Like all materials used in construction sites, it has some shortcomings that we must take into account when constructing buildings.
- Due to its non-circular cross-section, it is difficult to fix 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 are required.
- As it is not a homogeneous material, problems often arise when it comes to structural calculation.
With all the information we have provided you about architecture with bamboo and this great material, you can consider using it in some way if you are considering a renovation of your home, of whatever magnitude. We hope we have helped you and if you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us.
