In Praise of Bamboo
Imagine you find yourself seated in a yoga pose under the canopy of a bamboo pavilion, nestled in the jungles of Tulum.
Your posture is mirroring the surrounding symmetry and tranquility of the structure. Under the grand canopy that arches skywards, you connect with the earth, grounding yourself amidst the forest and the wildlife within it. The sounds, scents and sensations of nature envelope you: fresh air is ruffling your hair, birds are chirping and trees are rustling their leaves.
Would you feel as serene and at one with nature if the pavilion was constructed from concrete and steel?!
Natural Materials
The impact of the built environment on human well-being and cognitive function has become a significant focus of contemporary research. Studies have explored how different materials used in buildings affect occupants, revealing that natural materials like wood, mud or bamboo offer considerable benefits over synthetic ones like concrete and steel.
Research published in Scientific Reports discusses how sustainable building designs, which incorporate elements such as natural lighting, views, and spatial arrangements, can positively influence short-term psychological moods and long-term physiological effects. The study measures brain activities in response to various built-environment stimuli, demonstrating a direct link between sustainable design elements and improved cognitive function and well-being.
Biophilic design, which seeks to connect indoor environments with nature, has shown that incorporating wood, bamboo and other organic materials can reduce stress, enhance mood, and improve cognitive performance. The sensory experience of wood and bamboo through touch, smell, and sight, plays a crucial role in its positive impact on human well-being.
These findings underscore the importance of choosing building materials thoughtfully. While concrete and steel have been the staples of modern construction due to their durability and strength, the shift towards materials like wood, bamboo, thatch and other natural resources, offers not only environmental benefits but also enhances the well-being of building occupants. It is no longer a trend but a fundamental approach to fostering healthier, more harmonious living environments.
Concrete & Steel
Traditional construction materials (such as concrete and steel), often associated with environmental pollution and health risks, are being reconsidered. In contrast, natural materials like earth, thatch, bamboo, and wood are recognised for their low environmental impact, safety, durability, and versatility. These materials support a “new materials economy” that prioritises the planet and public health, aligning with the goals of green capitalism and the circular economy.
Concrete and steel, the most-used building materials globally, present significant environmental challenges due to their extensive carbon footprint and ecological impact.
The production of concrete is responsible for approximately 8% of global CO2 emissions. A substantial portion of CO2 emissions (at 4 billion tonnes annually), is attributed to the cement manufacturing process. Cement production also releases harmful substances like sulphur dioxide and carbon monoxide into the air, contributing to air pollution and respiratory diseases. Moreover, concrete contributes to the urban heat island effect, significantly increasing temperatures in densely built areas, which typically have fewer green spaces to mitigate heat.
The environmental ramifications of concrete extend beyond greenhouse gas emissions. The material plays a significant role in the loss of biodiversity, as urbanisation leads to the covering of natural habitats with concrete, affecting plants, animals, and fungi. This transformation has direct impacts on species diversity, food chains, and ecosystems, by disrupting natural habitats and causing populations of important species like bees to decline.
Steel is responsible for an additional 6.5% of CO2 emissions. The process of extracting iron ore and the subsequent steel manufacturing processes contribute to various environmental issues, including intensive mining activities, substantial greenhouse gas emissions, air and water pollution, and hazardous waste generation.
However, it's noteworthy that steel is among the world's most recycled materials, which helps mitigate some environmental impacts. Efforts are ongoing to improve the sustainability of steel production, including enhancing recycling rates and developing cleaner production technologies.
Bamboo Architecture
Naturally, bamboo architecture has surged in popularity across the globe, striking a chord with contemporary design principles that emphasise sustainability, flexibility, and local sourcing. This ancient building technique, deeply rooted in the cultural fabric of many Asian, South American, and African societies, is experiencing a renaissance, thanks to its eco-friendly credentials and remarkable mechanical properties. With the world facing pressing environmental challenges, architects and designers are increasingly turning to bamboo as a material that not only reduces carbon footprints but also offers resilience and aesthetic appeal.
The latest developments in bamboo architecture are propelled by technological advancements. Treatments to enhance durability, prevent decay, and protect against insect attacks have extended bamboo’s lifespan when used in construction. Furthermore, cutting-edge joinery techniques and the integration of bamboo with modern materials, such as concrete and steel, have expanded its applications, allowing for more complex and larger structures.
Architectural projects around the world are showcasing bamboo’s versatility and strength. Bamboo stands out for its rapid growth rate, making it a highly renewable resource. Some species can grow up to 91 cm (36 inches) in just 24 hours, ensuring a steady supply that can be harvested without causing deforestation. This contrasts sharply with traditional timber, which can take decades to reach maturity. Additionally, bamboo’s carbon sequestration capabilities are noteworthy; it absorbs carbon dioxide and releases 35% more oxygen into the atmosphere than equivalent stands of trees.
Despite its many benefits, bamboo architecture faces challenges, particularly regarding building codes and perceptions of durability. However, ongoing research and the development of international standards for bamboo construction are helping to overcome these obstacles.
Architects and engineers are also exploring hybrid models that combine bamboo with other sustainable materials, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in green building practices.
Luum Temple in Tulum Mexico
Luum Temple is a bamboo pavilion in Tulum, Mexico. It is designed by a local studio Co-Lab Design Office, to host a variety of social assemblies including yoga and meditation seminars, workshops and other community gatherings.
The shape of the pavilion is reminiscent of a starfish, with five arches that support each other arranged in a symmetrical, circular design. A thatched roof covers the bamboo construction, made with a layer of local grass that is commonly found in the region. This covering protects the outdoor structure from rain and sun, while still allowing the pavilion to breathe in the humid tropical climate. Bamboo was chosen for its sustainability credentials as well as its ability to resist hurricane forces.
"The project creates awareness for more sustainable ways of developing in the delicate ecology of Tulum and beyond. Due to the carbon bamboo sequesters during its rapid harvest growth cycle, and its high strength to weight ratio, bamboo is a leading sustainable material with amazing potentials" the studio said.
Green School in Bali Indonesia
Green School in Bali, designed by IBUKU, showcases a commitment to sustainability through its innovative use of bamboo as a primary building material.
Created by environmentalists and designers John and Cynthia Hardy and their daughter Elora, the school aims to inspire communities towards sustainable living. Located amidst a lush jungle, the campus features a range of architecturally significant bamboo structures, including classrooms and communal spaces, powered by alternative energy sources.
This holistic green community emphasises environmental education, inspiring students with its unique approach to sustainable architecture. By utilising sustainable structures and an environmentally-focused curriculum, the school encourages students to think outside of the box.
In addition to serving as a model for living sustainably, a central tenet of Green School’s mission is to contribute positively to the local community, and help to build a stronger community and culture, as well as inspire future generations of sustainability champions and leaders.
CUBO Bamboo Housing Project in Manila Philippines
CUBO Bamboo Housing Project in the Philippines, is an innovative housing solution, devised by Earl Patrick Forlales, and is aimed at addressing Manila's housing crisis.
The design won the RICS’ “Cities for the Future” award. It was recognised for its sustainability and efficiency, and could potentially transform the approach to urban housing shortages.
One-third of the 12 million people who inhabit the main urban area of the Philippine capital, known as Metro Manila, live in inadequate housing, exposed to air pollution and without proper sanitation or access to fresh water. Many slum dwellers are construction workers who come to the city to take up short-term contracts on its numerous big projects. According to Forlales, it is ironic , that the workers who flock to Metro Manila to build towering housing blocks lack dignified homes of their own.
CUBO homes are not only eco-friendly and emphasise the importance of using local, renewable resources in construction, but also cost effective, could be manufactured in a week and constructed in four hours.
This award-winning initiative highlights the potential of innovative, sustainable building materials like bamboo in addressing global housing challenges, showcasing a scalable model that could be adopted in other urban areas facing similar issues.
Flood Resistant Bamboo Homes in Pakistan
Yasmeen Lari, an architect with a background in traditional construction materials, shifted her focus to humanitarian work after witnessing the struggles of refugees in Pakistan. Utilising bamboo, a material often overlooked in modern architecture, she has spearheaded the construction of flood-resistant homes that have withstood natural disasters, including Pakistan's worst flooding in history.
Bamboo's remarkable properties, including rapid growth, durability, and resilience to flooding, make it an ideal material for disaster-resistant housing in regions prone to climate-related disasters.
Lari's initiative goes beyond providing temporary relief shelters; she aims to create sustainable, long-lasting communities by designing homes that can withstand floods and empower residents to rebuild their lives.
Through simple, replicable designs and community-driven approaches, Lari seeks to democratise architecture and empower communities to construct their own homes. By leveraging local resources and encouraging self-sufficiency, her project not only addresses immediate housing needs but also fosters resilience and economic empowerment within flood-affected communities.
Despite challenges and limited government support, Lari remains committed to her mission of building one million flood-resistant homes by 2024 or 2025. With innovative solutions such as moats and raised platforms for agriculture, inspired by ancient techniques, she continues to adapt her approach to evolving environmental challenges.
Lari's dedication to learning from the past and empowering communities to shape their futures exemplifies a pioneering approach to architecture for disaster relief and sustainable development.
Going Back to the Roots
Bamboo architecture is more than just a trend, it is a sustainable approach that answers the pressing needs of our time for environmental stewardship and innovative design.
By combining traditional knowledge with modern technology, bamboo architecture not only provides a path to more sustainable development but also enriches the global architectural landscape with its unique aesthetic and ecological benefits. As more projects around the world embrace bamboo, this ancient material is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of sustainable architecture.
