Bamboo has been used as a construction material in vernacular architecture across the world for thousands of years. Although bamboo may look like a tree species, it actually belongs to the grass family. In a time of deforestation, rising CO2 levels, and limited resources, bamboo presents a solution as its usefulness is versatile. One hectare of bamboo can eliminate 17 tonnes of carbon a year. The bamboo industry is mostly carbon negative, especially when processing bamboo into laminated sheets. Bamboo is also very easy to work with. In terms of circular economy, bamboo is rapidly self-regenerating, good at eliminating CO2 from the air, easily cultivated, a substitute for plastic in certain instances, and can be repurposed or used for its biomass energy (burning) at the end of its life cycle. Bamboo is naturally anti-bacterial so it does not require pesticides or fertilizers—both of which damage the environment—and it does a better job than the average tree at converting carbon dioxide into oxygen. Not to mention, increasing reliance on bamboo will also create more jobs.

 

Bamboo plants reach their full growth within 3-5 years and can be reharvested for about 50 years if properly cared for. Unlike most trees we use for lumber, bamboo plants will reach their full size in one growing season. Bamboo reaches its final diameter when the shoot fully sprouts from the ground, which can happen within a couple weeks to a month. It grows vertically for the remainder of its life and can grow even taller if the branches are continually chopped and thinned out. Bamboo can be cut less than a foot from the ground and will still self-propagate and regrow, and it can be harvested every 2 years. 

 

As a building material, bamboo has many uses. In relation to scale versatility, it can be used on small or large projects depending on the type/species of bamboo. Bamboo that is grown in warmer climates is typically longer and more pliable, which is good for trusses and structural support. Large bamboo has the same tensile strength as metal and can be used as scaffolding, and laminated bamboo can be used on large-scale projects as it is a more sustainable alternative to wood. Bamboo is typically used for pavilions and residential architecture but is being experimented with on some larger-scale projects. It has also been utilized in vernacular housing but only as a load-distribution material for roofing. The widespread use of bamboo in buildings would not only address our lack of affordable housing, but it would also address the environmental issues we face. Bamboo can hold many places in construction from ornamental to structural beams, sidings, fencings, rugs, and furniture. Not only that, but it is a great material for acoustics as bamboo dampens sound and can be used to help treat a room. 

 

Regarding construction, bamboo can be used in several ways. It can be used for structure in both its natural and processed state. In its natural form, it can be bundled and bent for wall assemblies, trusses, and arches. It can also be laid flat and concealed within a wall or flooring. Laminated bamboo is typically used for flooring as it is a less expensive alternative to wood, but it can be used for seating as well since it can be malleable. With both natural and laminated bamboo, bending is done by wetting and heating it. However, this can negatively impact its structural capability. Laminated bamboo is made by splitting bamboo several times by hand or with a machine to create small strands that can then be laid flat or woven to create layers of a plank that are stacked and bound together using glue. Planks, structural beams, and other materials can be produced using this process.

 

Within the design of this pavilion, we have used two sizes of natural bamboo as well as laminated bamboo. The objective in using natural bamboo is to demonstrate its structural strength. The use of laminated bamboo not only adds to the aesthetic of the design but shows an alternative method of using bamboo for construction. The purpose of placing live bamboo within the center of the benches ensures that our process starts with a living plant. With this naturally-occurring, strong plant, we can draw attention to its capabilities and push for its use in modern-day construction. 

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**Check out this Miro board to see what else we researched during our initial design phase.