American Journal of Civil Engineering and Architecture, 2024, Vol. 12, No.

1, 14-23
Available online at http://pubs.sciepub.com/ajcea/12/1/3
Published by Science and Education Publishing
DOI:10.12691/ajcea-12-1-3

Appraisal of Bamboo as a Prospective Building

Material: Architectural Intervention and Sustainability
Mohammad Arif Kamal1,*, Osama Nasir2, Mohd. Faiz Iqbal3, Waqas Akhtar2
1
Architecture Section, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India
2
Dept. of Architecture, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India
3
Faculty of Architecture and Ekistics, New Delhi, India
*Corresponding author:

Received December 21, 2023; Revised January 25, 2024; Accepted February 02, 2024
Abstract Bamboo is now more in demand as a sustainable building material because of its many economic and
environmental advantages. This study looks at bamboo's adaptability as a sustainable building material and how it
might help with the environmental problems that the building industry is now facing. The study begins by looking at
the characteristics that bamboo naturally has that make it the greatest material for green building. Its quick pace of
development, high strength-to-weight ratio, and innate renewability are a few of these qualities. The paper also
examines how bamboo planting enhances biodiversity, sustainable land use practices, and soil erosion prevention.
Bamboo is adaptable and compatible with a variety of architectural concepts, as evidenced by its structural durability
and performance in various building applications. The paper underlines bamboo's durability and long-term worth as
a building material by highlighting its resilience to fire, pests, and humidity. The socio-economic effects of using
bamboo as a sustainable building material are also looked at. The project looks at bamboo's potential to boost
regional economies, empower people, and create job opportunities, especially in underdeveloped nations where
bamboo resources are plentiful. The paper discusses the difficulties and possibilities associated with the adoption of
bamboo in order to ensure that bamboo is successfully incorporated into traditional construction methods. These
include the requirement for standardization, the creation of laws and permits, the discovery of cutting-edge bamboo
construction methods, and the communication of information between architects, engineers, and other construction
industry experts. This research highlights bamboo's immense potential as a green building material. Making use of
bamboo's unique properties and considering its structural, social, and environmental benefits could significantly help
in the development of a built environment that is more resilient and sustainable. It is possible to lower carbon
emissions, enhance resource sustainability, and establish a greener, more sustainable future for the construction
industry and beyond by using bamboo in building practices.
Keywords: bamboo, building material, sustainability, sustainable architecture, sustainable material
Cite This Article: Mohammad Arif Kamal, Osama Nasir, Mohd. Faiz Iqbal, and Waqas Akhtar, “Appraisal
of Bamboo as a Prospective Building Material: Architectural Intervention and Sustainability.” American Journal of
Civil Engineering and Architecture, vol. 12, no. 1 (2024): 14-23. doi: 10.12691/ajcea-12-1-3.

water and pesticides [1]. Bamboo has been utilized in

construction for a very long time. In Asia and Indonesia,
1. Introduction bamboo is employed for both structural and non-structural
purposes in the majority of traditional dwellings. Due to
It has been become imperative in recent years to look its extraordinary growth in tropical rain forests, bamboo is
for environmentally friendly materials that can mitigate frequently used in traditional housing (Figure 1). However,
the effects of traditional resource-intensive industries. As when the industrial revolution got underway, bamboo
a result, bamboo, a flexible and quick-regenerating plant, became obsolete for construction. Bamboo is regarded as
has received a lot of interest as a potential sustainable being inexpensive and transient [2].
material. Due to its remarkable rate of growth and
advantageous effects on the environment, bamboo has the
potential to be a sustainable material. Bamboo may be 2. Research Methodology
harvested without harming the plant and matures three to
five years earlier than normal trees. Bamboo can regrow, In order to identify sustainable construction materials,
which encourages conservation efforts and has a much this study provides a framework for categorising
smaller negative influence on natural forests. Additionally, sustainability-related materials and conducts an initial
compared to other crops that are often grown for the desk review of domestic and foreign books and articles, as
manufacture of commodities, bamboo farming uses less well as texts and interviews that are available in the
 American Journal of Civil Engineering and Architecture 15

literature and magazines. After this stage was through,

people began to become aware of bamboo as a sustainable
building material. By highlighting similarities and
exposing differences among implicit beliefs of diverse
construction materials, sustainability is portrayed through
the case studies in this work in order to serve as a launch
pad for future sustainability research in terms of bamboo.

Figure 2. Application of adobe blocks in walling system

3.2. Bamboo and Timber

As a building material for low-cost houses, bamboo has
a lot of potential. Based on local manufacture and
processing of raw materials, bamboo dwellings are
frequently a rural phenomenon in many Latin American
Figure 1. A flexible and eco-friendly bamboo structure and Asian countries (Figure 3). Large bamboo farms
would need to be built in order to provide the urban
housing markets with the bamboo needed for construction
3. Overview of Sustainable Building if bamboo homes were to become popular among city
Materials people. In nations where it naturally grows, bamboo can
be used. The proper bamboo species must be chosen. For
The world economy is significantly impacted by the use instance, South American native Guadua Angustifolia has
of resources, the production of waste, and the use of the highest qualities for building.
energy. As a response to the environmental problems
caused by conventional building materials, more
individuals are focusing on implementing sustainable
building materials. The features, advantages, and uses of
sustainable construction materials are highlighted in this
article's overview. This overview attempts to demonstrate
the importance of sustainable building materials in
supporting environmentally friendly construction practises
by looking at recent studies and industry figures [3].
"Green" building materials are those that have been
created, installed, and maintained with the least possible
harm to the environment. For the mud, adobe, wood, cork,
bamboo, straw, and sawdust, only natural materials may
be utilised [4]. Sustainable building materials include
adobe blocks, bamboo and lumber, compressed earth
Figure 3. An example of a stilted Bamboo house
blocks, interlocking recycled-materials blocks and
improved concrete panels. However, research on bamboo housing in Guayaquil,
Ecuador, showed that squatters' bamboo huts eventually
3.1. Adobe Blocks change into concrete homes as an area is upgraded, such
as by the provision of paved roads. This is due to the fact
Water, clay-based soil, and occasionally straw are the that brick-built residences eventually draw in more
major ingredients required to make adobe blocks. Bricks visitors due to the elevated status of bricks. Similar steps
are formed from wet adobe and left to dry for a few days were used by the Guatemalan NGO IDESAC to assist
in the sun. The main issue with adobe is how readily it can people in rural areas to build bamboo homes.
be harmed by rain and water. The idea that Adobe is Nevertheless, they found that the impacted households
typically "the material of the poor" may limit its adoption are reluctant to employ bamboo for their homes because
in some contexts [5]. The mortar for walls is made from they consider it as "the poor man's construction material"
wet adobe, which is also used to construct building blocks. (according to Arch. Luis Estrada of IDESAC, who was
Different construction techniques are employed according interviewed by the author in August 2016). [7] When used
to the climate (Figure 2). Adobe is typically used to cover appropriately, bamboo is a sustainable building material
the exterior of houses, providing a level surface for that can endure earthquakes, but its utilisation in urban
painting. Adobe is less frequently used in urbanising areas development is now far too insufficient. Building whole
with higher population densities, notwithstanding its bamboo houses with a supporting framework requires
significance in rural settings [6]. technical competence. If it was self-built, specialised
16 American Journal of Civil Engineering and Architecture

carpenters should offer technical support. In order to regional economic growth. UN-Habitat advocated for an
prevent termites, bamboo must be treated with early recovery of stabilised soil blocks in Darfur in order
preservatives, typically chemical substances. Bamboo to promote sustainable urban growth [9]. Lime stabiliser,
needs to be replaced every five to ten years if it is not at least 5% cement (less than needed to manufacture
treated. If properly maintained and covered, the material standard bricks), a very tiny amount of water, and, if
can endure 30 to 35 years [8]. It is recommended to plaster desired, chemical waterproofing agents are all added to
the outer walls of bamboo homes to protect them from the stabilised soil to create blocks. The blocks are crushed
impacts of the weather and insects. If the exterior walls of using steel hand crushers or machine presses to produce
the house are entirely plastered, they may appear to be blocks of excellent quality. This method is less expensive,
"ordinary" residences. There have been some amazing uses less firewood, and uses less energy than burning
technology developments for bamboo homes in recent bricks. Other advantageous characteristics include the
years. Prefabricated wall panels and reinforced corner ability to produce locally, size flexibility, labor-
connections are common components of exterior walls. It intensiveness that can create jobs, and exceptional stability
makes sense to assume that bamboo homes would and resilience [6].
continue to develop similarly. Bamboo partition walls and
woven bamboo mats can be used in urban dwellings, even 3.4. Interlocking Blocks of Recycled Material
though bamboo is rarely employed as a main building
material in highly populated areas [6]. Walls can be constructed using interlocking bricks or
Although bamboo cookware and furniture have recently construction blocks. These bricks can be bought or readily
gained popularity, it has been used in buildings for made in a variety of shapes and sizes, such as by
hundreds of years and is one of the most environmentally assembling them like the well-known Lego components.
friendly building materials. Bamboo is an excellent If the diameters of each brick can be properly predicted, a
substitute for pricey imported materials in areas where it is set of bricks can be put together fast with a little cement or
locally abundant, as well as an alternative to rebar and mortar. The blocks might even be put to use in another
concrete construction, due to its light weight, tensile structure, if that is possible. These construction materials
strength, and renewability [4]. also have the benefit of being easy to put together by a
dedicated group of volunteers, unskilled labour, or even
3.3. Compressed Earth Blocks potential tenants. It can also be used to build emergency or
transitional housing. The insulation value of the building
Common building materials like clay, loam and sand blocks is acceptable and comparable to that of traditional
can be creatively used with the help of homogenous, hollow concrete blocks. Interlocking bricks, which are
rectangular compressed earth blocks (CEB) and much more environmentally friendly, can be used in place
(interlocking) stabilised soil (earth) blocks (SSB or ISSB). of fired bricks (Figure 5). In addition to solid earth cement
In both methods, cement is either not utilised at all or used blocks, hollow concrete blocks, and recycled brick, plastic
extremely rarely. In SSB, very little soil may be mixed concrete, and recycled polymers combined with organic
with cement or lime. Due to the necessity of a resources like rice husks can all be used as building
professional-grade mix preparation, a field lab and materials in the construction industry [6].
personnel training are essential. Use CEB and SSB blocks
to construct homes, baths, schools, community centres,
and other buildings. These earth technologies are utilised
by a number of countries in Latin America, Asia, and
Africa (Figure 4). The cost for heating and cooling are
reduced by the improved thermal efficiency and bulk of
CEB walls. If constructed appropriately, structures made
of CEB can be long-lasting and sustainable.

Figure 5. Interlocking blocks of recycled material in wall masonry

3.5. Concrete Panels

It is feasible to construct a framework, hollow concrete
blocks, and beautiful, reasonably priced homes. Hollow
concrete blocks can be utilised to build earthquake-
resistant homes that are insulated and conventionally built.
Figure 4. Compressed earth blocks as sustainable building materials
This sturdy construction material is commonly used. The
This exemplifies how regionally focused, small-scale material can be viewed as moderately sustainable if the
applications of technological developments may promote blocks are made locally using local raw materials, like
 American Journal of Civil Engineering and Architecture 17

sand and stones. To build simple homes more quickly, bamboo, which is made of bamboo veneers, panels, and
concrete panels can be piled between concrete piles and laminated boards.
columns. The horizontal 'crown' or bars that cover the
piles must be properly fastened to the ground in order to
complete the building's construction. The frames of
wooden homes can be manufactured from any of the
following materials: bamboo, concrete, steel, aluminium,
and wood. These houses are earthquake-resistant if built
properly. A range of building materials that do not support
the structural integrity of the home can be used to fill the
spaces inside the frameworks between the posts, columns
and beams (Figure 6). Masonry, compressed earth bricks,
wood, or bamboo can all be used to build the walls that
are constructed in between the posts and beams.
Plasterwork can be used to complete the walls, but it is not
required for the building.

Figure 7. Different uses of bamboo in residential building construction

The technology that has evolved can be effectively used

to build affordable (single-story dwellings) for between Rs.
300 and 500 per square foot, depending on the shape of
the home, the type of interior finish, and the local
environment. Bamboo may now be converted into a material
suitable for construction thanks to substantial advancements
in technology and methods. Bamboo is being used in
building more and more as jointing methods and protection
Figure 6. A residential unit constructed using concrete panels and preservation technologies advance. These advancements
Walls with high ratings for thermal and acoustic are enhancing bamboo's resilience as a building material. The
insulation are preferred by inhabitants of tropical regions. invention of composite bamboo materials and advancements
The NGO FUNDASAL in El Salvador is a collaborator in in structural engineering have made it possible to design new
the TAISHIN research project [10], which promotes buildings that are sturdy, lightweight, and visually pleasing
earthquake-resistant technology employing prefabricated for a variety of functions [13].
columns, panel blocks, and elements. These are necessary
for building safer homes in El Salvador, which could raise
the level of living for individuals who are frequently 5. Properties and Characteristics of
affected by disasters and at greatest danger. In order to Bamboo
advance construction technology and the distribution
system, the national government started distributing social Because of its strength and adaptability, bamboo is a
housing that is seismically resistant in 2009 [11]. desirable material for a range of uses. The following list of
fundamental characteristics and features of bamboo is
supported by the citations below:
4. Bamboo as a Sustainable Building
Material 5.1. Rapid Growth and Renewable Nature
Bamboo is anticipated to be a practical substitute for One of the plants with the fastest global growth rates is
more conventional building materials including concrete, bamboo. Unlike conventional timber species, which take
steel, and wood due to its quick growth and straightforward decades or millennia to reach maturity, it can do so in
manufacturing procedure [12]. All structural and non- three to five years [14]. This rapid expansion, which also
structural building components are produced by the guarantees a steady supply of vital elements, makes
construction industry using bamboo. In the past, bamboo regular harvesting possible.
culms were used to build footbridges, scaffolding, and
dwellings in rural areas (Figure 7). When constructing walls, 5.2. High Strength and Flexibility
ceilings, doors, windows, roofs, manhole covers, and other
structures, it was used in a number of methods [13]. Bamboo's best mechanical qualities include flexibility
Bamboo culms or bamboo frames covered in cement or and a high strength-to-weight ratio. When compared to a
clay were the main building materials in the past, but number of commonly used building materials, including
prefabricated bamboo dwellings are now more frequently steel, it has been found to have higher tensile strength,
built. Prefabricated bamboo homes are made of engineered bending resistance, and compression resistance [15]. Due
18 American Journal of Civil Engineering and Architecture

of these qualities, bamboo is frequently used in place of making it more durable than many common building
more conventional building materials. materials. It has been discovered to have stronger
compressive strength than concrete and higher tensile
5.3. Natural Durability and Stability strength than steel [15]. Building strong, long-lasting
structures is made possible by this strength.
Due to its biochemical makeup, which guards against
rot, insects, and fungi, bamboo is naturally resilient [16]. 6.1.3. Flexibility and Resistance to Seismic Forces
These bio-chemicals contain bamboo-specific phenolic Bamboo is an excellent material for places that are
compounds. Due to its great dimensional stability, prone to earthquakes because of its adaptability and
bamboo is less likely to stretch or contract in response to durability. Due to its elasticity, it can bear sizable lateral
variations in moisture content [14]. loads during earthquakes [16]. The building's safety and
structural integrity are improved by this feature.
5.4. Carbon Sequestration
6.1.4. Low Carbon Footprint
In the process of carbon sequestration, bamboo provides Bamboo has a small carbon footprint because it can
a significant help. It can absorb a significant amount of store a lot of carbon dioxide (CO2) as it grows [17]. In
carbon dioxide (CO2) from the environment during its rapid comparison to ordinary timber species, it may sequester
growth. Carbon dioxide absorption capacity of bamboo is around 4-5 times more CO2. Utilising bamboo in
estimated to be 4-5 times more than that of conventional construction aids in reducing greenhouse gas emissions
timber species [17]. As a result, cultivating bamboo is an and battling climate change.
effective method for limiting climate change.
6.1.5. Versatility and Design Potential
5.5. Regenerative Harvesting and Low Because of its versatile structure, bamboo may be used in
Environmental Impact a wide range of architectural contexts and styles. Raw or
processed, it can be used to make a variety of products,
Since bamboo regenerates from the base after being cut, including laminates, fibres, composites, and solid bamboo
cutting it won't hurt the plant. This cyclical harvesting panels [19]. Because of its aesthetic appeal and capacity to
produces a continual supply of bamboo without the need produce distinctive textures and patterns, designers adore it.
to replant. Because it uses fewer pesticides and water than
typical crop development, bamboo cultivation also has a
lower environmental impact [18]. 6.2. Disadvantages of Bamboo
There are numerous disadvantages of bamboo as a
5.6. Versatile Applications of Bamboo building material, they are as follows:
Bamboo is used in the construction of buildings, 6.2.1. Vulnerability to Moisture and Insects
furniture, flooring, textiles, paper, and even the manufacture
Bamboo is naturally porous, which makes it susceptible
of renewable energy. It may be utilised to make laminates,
to absorbing moisture. If this moisture is not removed,
fibres, composites, and solid bamboo panels thanks to its
decay and the growth of mould can occur [16]. It is also
unique properties and processing flexibility [19].
more prone to pest infestations if it is not properly
protected. Specific pre-treatment and preventative
6. Advantages and Disadvantages of procedures are needed to boost its durability.

Bamboo as a Building Material 6.2.2. Lack of Standardization and Quality Control

Bamboo's effectiveness and quality as a building
Bamboo as a building material has both advantages and material can differ significantly depending on factors
disadvantages. They are listed below: including species, age, treatment, and harvesting
techniques. Providing consistent and reliable product
6.1. Advantages of Bamboo quality may be challenging in the bamboo business due to
a lack of standardisation and quality control [15].
The various advantages of bamboo as a building
material are as follows: 6.2.3. Fire Resistance
6.1.1. Sustainability and Renewable Resource Despite having an inherent resistance to fire, bamboo is
not fireproof. Thicker bamboo pieces often have greater
Bamboo is an extremely sustainable building material fire resistance than thinner ones. However, it is advised to
due to its rapid growth and renewable status. It may be take precautions against fire, such as using fire-resistant
harvested in a few short years, as opposed to the decades coatings or treatments [19].
or centuries required for normal timber species [15]. By
doing this, deforestation is avoided and a consistent 6.2.4. Limited Supply Chain and Market Accessibility
supply of raw materials is ensured.
The construction of a strong supply chain and the
6.1.2. High Strength-to-Weight Ratio accessibility of high-quality bamboo products may be
restricted in some areas. This could make it challenging to
Bamboo has a remarkable strength-to-weight ratio, locate and acquire bamboo materials for construction
 American Journal of Civil Engineering and Architecture 19

projects, especially in areas where bamboo isn't often The comparison is carried on the following factors:
cultivated or processed.
7.4.1. Environmental Impacts
Bamboo is organic and biodegradable; it has a smaller
7. Comparative Analysis of Bamboo with environmental impact than synthetic materials [27].
Other Building Materials
7.4.2. Renewable vs Non-Renewable
One of the key peculiarities of bamboo as a building Bamboo is a sustainable resource, in contrast to many
materials can easily be understood with its comparison to synthetic materials that are made from non-renewable
other materials. It is listed as follows: fossil fuels [28].

7.4.3. Aesthetics
7.1. Comparison of Bamboo with Wood
Unlike synthetic materials, bamboo has a distinctive
The comparison is carried on the following factors: appearance and a natural charm [29].
7.1.1. Strength
Tensile testing shows that bamboo is stronger than the 8. Different Types of Bamboo
majority of wood species [20].
Bamboo is the most important alternative to wood. The
7.1.2. Durability most efficient technique to cut back on wood consumption
In terms of durability and intrinsic resistance to rot, is through this. There are many uses for the plant bamboo.
insects, and fungi, bamboo exceeds several varieties of There are more than 1662 species of bamboo in 121
wood [19]. genera, which can be found in a range of habitats. It is a
hardy plant that expands quickly. Each species has its own
7.1.3. Sustainability potential. Two notable species include Guadua
Bamboo is more sustainable than wood because of its angustifolia, which is used in construction, and moso
quick regeneration, high yield, and rapid growth [21]. bamboo, the most useful variety of all bamboos. Bamboo
is now fairly prevalent as a result of the extensive use of
several species as the first choice for clothing, medicine,
7.2. Comparison of Bamboo with Steel architecture, and other applications [30].
The comparison is carried on the following factors:

7.2.1. Strength-to-Weight Ratio 9. Bamboo Species used in Building

The strength-to-weight ratio of bamboo is astounding, Construction
occasionally outperforming that of steel [22].
Of the 136 species, only a small number are important
7.2.2. Flexibility commercially. The few notable bamboo species that are
Bamboo's natural flexibility and strength make it a utilised in construction are listed below [31].
useful material for seismic-resistant constructions [23].
9.1. Bambusa Balcooa
7.2.3. Environmental Impacts
The maximum height for the Bambusa balcooa is 600
Bamboo production generates far fewer greenhouse
metres. It prefers soil with a lot of texture. This type of
gases than steel production [24].
bamboo is deep - green, 30-meter-tall culm may be seen.
The largest use of bambusa balcooa is in the residential
7.3. Comparison of Bamboo and Concrete construction sector.
The comparison is carried on the following factors:
9.2. Bambusa Nutans
7.3.1. Strength
500 to 1500 metres above sea level is the growing range
Even though bamboo has a lower compressive strength for the Bambusa nutans. It grows on the moist hills' slopes.
than concrete, there are some situations when it makes It prefers a loamy, well-drained soil. It is also referred to
more sense to use it [25]. by the names Mallo, Malla, Mukia, and Badia bansa. This
bamboo's smooth, loosely clumped culm can grow as high
7.3.2. Sustainability
as 20 metres. Often used in construction and crafts like
Bamboo can be cut down and replanted in a few years, basket weaving, bambusa nutans is a tree.
but making concrete requires non-renewable resources. As
a result, bamboo is a more environmentally friendly
9.3. Bambusa Polymorpha
choice than concrete [26].
The terms Jama betwa, Narangi bans, and Bari are also
7.4. Comparison of Bamboo with Synthetic used to describe Bambusa Polymorpha. The deep, fertile,
Materials (Plastics, Composite etc.) and well-drained riverine alluvial soil is preferred by the
20 American Journal of Civil Engineering and Architecture

Bambusa polymorpha. The culm may be pale green or

greyish green in colour. Some even have a greyish white
hue. The culm rises 25 metres. There are numerous uses
for bambusa polymorpha. It is employed in the
manufacture of crafts, home building, and pulping.

10. Bamboo in Building Construction

Bamboo is well known for being a highly renewable
resource and an affordable building material. Additionally,
even though it is renewable, using it for construction is not
always inexpensive. The raw material is free in Figure 9. A covered shaded pathway of Green school at Bali, Indonesia
subtropical regions where bamboo is widespread. The The Green School, a huge laboratory constructed by PT
bamboo will regrow more quickly than you can construct Bambu, is situated in a lush rainforest with natural flora
a home. Furthermore, straightforward, low-cost structures and trees blooming amid organic gardens on a sustainable
that are resistant to earthquakes and flooding can be campus that covers both sides of the Ayung River in
constructed. The majority of bamboo home builders strive Sibang Kaja, Bali (Figure 9). Solar panels, a hydro-driven
to produce structures with small carbon footprints. As a vortex generator, a bamboo sawdust hot water and
result, they prefer bamboo to traditional lumber. They will cooking system, as well as other sustainable energy
wish to incorporate passive solar, rainwater collection, and sources, all power the school. Classrooms, a gym,
other eco-friendly elements in accordance with this conference rooms, faculty housing, offices, cafes, and
ideology. You may incur higher initial costs as a result of restrooms are just a few of the amenities available in
these factors, but in the long term, you will end up campus buildings. The campus is home to a wide range of
spending less on energy and utilities [31]. aesthetically significant buildings, from enormous multi-
story social gathering spaces to much smaller classrooms
(Figure 10). To highlight its architectural possibilities,
11. Case Studies locally grown bamboo is used in creative and innovative
ways. A complete green community has been developed
The following case studies have incorporated the use of as a result, with a heavy emphasis on education that tries
bamboo as a sustainable building material: to inspire children to become more curious, interested, and
passionate about the environment [32].
11.1. Case Study 1: The Green School at Bali,
Indonesia

Figure 10. Interior of the Green school at Bali, Indonesia

Figure 8. Green school at Bali, Indonesia

John and Cynthia Hardy, who are both designers and 11.2. Case Study 2: Meditation Gazebo, India
environmentalists, wanted to inspire communities to live
sustainably. This includes demonstrating to people how to The house it is built on and the family who reside there
construct out of bamboo and other eco-friendly materials are the primary subjects of this project. Due to its location
(Figure 8). To stop the further devastation of rainforests, in a region with a variety of species, the property was
they founded the Green School and its affiliates, the preserved for many years as a vacation house and a place
Meranggi Foundation, which gives bamboo seedlings to to enjoy the outdoors (Figure 11). The old home was
nearby rice farmers to develop plantations of the plant, demolished and a more contemporary residence was
and PT Bambu, a for-profit design and construction firm constructed next to the original location when the family
that encourages the use of bamboo as a primary building that owned the land chose to construct something more
material [32]. durable [33].
 American Journal of Civil Engineering and Architecture 21

11.3. Case Study 3: Bamboo Sports Hall for

Panyaden International School, Thailand
The Bamboo Sports Hall at Panyaden International
School was built by Chiangmai Life Architect using
cutting-edge technical components and environmentally
friendly bamboo (Figure 13). The lotus blossom served as
the inspiration for the design of the Panyaden International
School in Thailand, which used Buddhist teachings to
infuse values into its academic curriculum and explain the
workings of the human mind [34]. The aim was to build a
hall big enough to hold 300 students while still blending
with the old clay and bamboo buildings of the school and
the natural mountainous surroundings. It shall have sports
Figure 11. The Meditation Gazebo, near Bangalore, India
facilities and uses only bamboo to maintain Panyaden's
The location of the old house was left empty even low carbon footprint and "Green School" goal [34].
though the new house was stunning and met all of the
family's needs. Thus, even without intending to, the
bamboo gazebo was constructed in a way that honoured
the traditional home and all that it stood for. Because the
new house was built in a modern minimalist style, the
gazebo was created to contrast the new house's simplicity
by being substantially more elaborate and sculptural [33].
Multiple arches and ring beams made up the gazebo's
framework, which was made of various bamboo and cane
species. Split bambusa balcooa was used to create the
arches, while bambusa tulda was used to create the main
roof structure and roof matting. Cane was mixed for
polishing and all of the finer components. A temporary
skylight was inserted to provide light while the delicate Figure 13. The Bamboo Sport Hall at Chiang Mao, Thailand
latticework's geometry was being constructed, and three
additional light and air openings were added to the upper
side (Figure 12). Bamboo is a versatile building material
with several advantages, including a beautifully natural
appearance. Furthermore, modern bamboo structures have
a unique elevated aspect that is difficult to achieve with
conventional materials. The most alluring qualities of a
contemporary bamboo structure are its complexity and
ability to astound everyone who sees it. The meditation
gazebo is a spectacular display of the benefits, allure, and
versatility of bamboo [33].

Figure 14. Structural system of Bamboo Sport Hall at Chiang Mai

The 782 square metre stadium has courts for badminton,

basketball, volleyball and futsal in addition to an
automatic stage lift. The front wall of a room where
athletic and theatrical equipment is stored serves as the
stage's backdrop. From balconies on each of the long sides,
parents and other visitors may view sporting events or
entertainment [34]. Through natural ventilation and
insulation, the design and material maintain a pleasant and
comfortable temperature all year round. Both the exposed
bamboo structure and its superb craftsmanship are
stunning (Figure 14). The hall was built with the
assistance of two independent engineers to meet today's
safety requirements for loads, shear forces, etc. to endure
the strong winds, earthquakes, and other natural disasters
that may occur in the area. Newly created prefabricated
bamboo trusses with a span of over 17 metres and no steel
connections or reinforcements are the foundation of the
Figure 12. Bamboo ceiling with skylight of the Meditation Gazebo creative structural design. These trusses were
22 American Journal of Civil Engineering and Architecture

prefabricated on-site and then hoisted into place using a development of a successful, environmentally responsible,
crane [32]. The carbon footprint of Panyaden's Sports Hall and green construction industry [39]. Its adoption could
is nil. The carbon that was absorbed by the bamboo was have a good effect on both the built environment and
significantly greater than the carbon that was released society at large by lowering carbon emissions and
during treatment, transport, and building [34]. supporting sustainable resource management, among other
things [40,41]. We can build a more sustainable future if
we use bamboo as a building material.
12. Discussion and Recommendations
Based on a thorough investigation of bamboo as a 13. Conclusions
sustainable building material, the following suggestions
are given for successfully integrating bamboo into This study assessed bamboo as a sustainable building
traditional building techniques. To ensure quality control, material from a number of perspectives to show its huge
security, and dependability while using bamboo as a potential to meet current environmental concerns in the
building material, it is critical to develop industry construction sector. It is obvious why bamboo is the best
standards, recommendations, and legal requirements [35] material for sustainable structures when we take into
[36]. The creation of certification programs and labeling account its intrinsic qualities, environmental advantages,
systems that validate the sustainability claims made by structural performance, and socioeconomic ramifications.
bamboo building materials would increase consumer Bamboo is a widely sought-after building material for
confidence and transparency. For the purpose of sustainable structures because of its exceptional strength-
examining cutting-edge bamboo construction methods and to-weight ratio, quick growth rate, and intrinsic
technology, funding for research and development is renewability. Its widespread availability, affordable
necessary. The range of applications can be increased by production, and simplicity of expansion strengthen its
investigating engineered bamboo products as well as appeal as a strong replacement for conventional building
innovative treatments, finishes, and joinery techniques. materials. Due to its ability to store carbon, lower
Dissemination of knowledge is also essential. By planning greenhouse gas emissions, and have a minor impact on the
seminars, educational events, and training sessions, it will environment over its lifetime, bamboo is advantageous to
be ensured that architects, engineers, builders, and other the environment. The study discovered that bamboo is the
stakeholders have the knowledge and abilities required to best material for a variety of architectural ideas due to its
operate effectively with bamboo. Bamboo building will be excellent structural strength and longevity. Its durability
promoted and more people will become aware of it and long-term viability as a building material are
through the exchange of best practices and case studies. guaranteed by its resistance to fire, pests, and humidity.
Researchers, architects, engineers, and builders should The production of bamboo also encourages biodiversity,
collaborate to promote knowledge sharing, idea sharing, the reduction of soil erosion, and sustainable land use
and cooperative projects using bamboo. Improvements in techniques, underscoring its comprehensive environmental
bamboo construction education and innovation can be advantages.
made by creating a receptive network and community [37] If we want to learn from countries where bamboo has
[38]. If bamboo is to be adopted and accepted by the been effectively employed in construction projects,
general public, the government must provide monetary promoting international collaboration and knowledge
incentives, grants, and subsidies for bamboo production, exchange is essential. Collaboration projects may profit
processing facilities, and bamboo-using construction from the knowledge and experience of people and
projects. It is crucial to underline the value of ethical organisations from regions with a lot of bamboo.
bamboo harvesting, growing, and management practices. Furthermore, it's critical to set up long-term monitoring and
For the bamboo industry to thrive, it is crucial to evaluation programmes to assess the efficiency and
encourage social responsibility, biodiversity preservation, resilience of bamboo buildings. This will hone our design
and sustainable forest management. It is important to and building abilities while educating us on the long-term
emphasize the advantages of bamboo as a sustainable behaviour of bamboo. In order to ensure quality control and
building material through media relations, business widespread use, standards, regulations, and certifications
ventures, and public awareness initiatives. Interest and are required. New bamboo construction methods must be
demand will rise by emphasizing its socioeconomic, developed together with a professional knowledge
structural, and environmental benefits. exchange if bamboo is to increase in popularity. Because of
To learn from countries where bamboo has been this, bamboo has a lot of potential as a sustainable building
effectively employed in construction projects, it is material. It offers a means of reducing carbon emissions,
essential to promote international collaboration and promoting sustainable resource management, and creating
knowledge exchange. The knowledge and experiences of eco-systems that are more resilient and environmentally
experts and groups from regions with a lot of bamboo can friendly. Utilising bamboo in construction can significantly
be used in collaborative projects. Furthermore, it's critical help achieve sustainability goals and encourage a more
to set up long-term monitoring and evaluation sustainable future. Architects, engineers, and builders have
programmes to assess the performance and robustness of the chance to make a positive, long-lasting impact on
bamboo-based structures. In addition to enhancing our society, the environment, and the building industry by
design and building techniques, this will teach us more taking into account the special qualities of the construction
about the long-term behaviour of bamboo. By following sector and the wide range of benefits.
these suggestions, bamboo might significantly aid in the
 American Journal of Civil Engineering and Architecture 23

[21] Sharma, B., Gerard, F. G. and Bansal, N. K. Bamboo as a

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