Why Bamboo Is Emerging as One of the Preferred Building Materials
Explore the different applications of bamboo in the construction of buildings and as an interior finish for your home
Since deforestation is happening at a rapid pace, our wood resources are becoming scarce and it is important to find a renewable material which could work as a substitute to wood. Bamboo is one such material that is being researched and developed to be used as a mainstream building construction material in India. India is the second-largest producer of bamboo in the world and some of the popular species of bamboo include Bambusa balcooa, Dendrocalamus giganteous, Dendrocalamus hamiltonii and Bambusa tulda.
Why is bamboo one of the most sustainable materials?
- Bamboo plants are available in abundance as they take only three to five years to fully mature. Therefore, this fast-growing woody plant is a valuable renewable material. Hardwood and softwood trees, on the other hand, can take around 30 to 50 years to grow.
- Bamboo plants require very little water to grow and do not require any pesticides or chemicals to accelerate their growth.
- Bamboo plants release more oxygen and absorb more carbon dioxide in comparison to other trees.
- Another interesting factor is that bamboo plants have strong roots that hold the soil together and stabilise it. Therefore, it helps prevent soil erosion and can be strategically planted in areas that are prone to landslides.
- Bamboo is fully biodegradable.
What are the advantages of using bamboo?
- Bamboo has a very high tensile strength. Since it is light in weight it is easy to work with, store and transport.
- The natural surface of bamboo is smooth, clean and an attractive light yellow, and does not require painting or polishing.
- Bamboo is highly durable. As a construction material it has a life span of 30 to 40 years.
- Different techniques can be applied on bamboo (when it is growing) to create different shapes such as curved, arched or square.
- Bamboo is cost-effective, which makes it an affordable building material.
Cane Furniture
What are the disadvantages of using bamboo?
- Bamboo is susceptible to damage caused by water and has the tendency to shrink when it dries after losing water. Therefore, after harvesting bamboo, it has to be seasoned so it does not shrink.
- The circular shape of bamboo does not enable a good jointing system.
- Bamboo is prone to termite and fungal attacks. Therefore, the plant needs to be treated with a mixture of borax and boric acid for protection against insects and fungus.
- The bamboo not only has a hollow core but it also tapers and reduces in diameter towards the top.
- Bamboo is inflammable and needs to treated with a fire-resistant coating to protect it from fire.
What are the uses of bamboo in the construction industry?
In the construction industry bamboo is primarily used for scaffolding and housing.
Nicaragua Houzz: A Prototype Home Made With Sustainable Bamboo
In the construction industry bamboo is primarily used for scaffolding and housing.
- Scaffolding: Bamboo is widely used for scaffolding because of its strength and flexibility, and because it can be easily cut into a variety of lengths.
- Housing: Bamboo is used to create roof support systems such as purlins (beams), trusses and rafters. It is also used as a fencing material and for constructing walls.
Nicaragua Houzz: A Prototype Home Made With Sustainable Bamboo
What are the applications of bamboo in interior design?
Bamboo: Do You Know About This Wonder Material?
How to Design a Home That Is Not a Burden on the Environment
Tell us:
Have you used bamboo as an interior finish or for the construction of your home? Tell us how this material has fared for you, in Comments below.
- Bamboo is used to manufacture bamboo boards for fabricating door frames and door shutters.
- Since bamboo can be easily bent, it is an ideal material for manufacturing cane furniture.
- In this image just see how bamboo flooring forms an attractive alternative to wood or laminate flooring.
- Bamboo can be cut and laminated into sheets for finishing the surface of cabinetry and furniture.
Bamboo: Do You Know About This Wonder Material?
How to Design a Home That Is Not a Burden on the Environment
Tell us:
Have you used bamboo as an interior finish or for the construction of your home? Tell us how this material has fared for you, in Comments below.
