It is a strong and rigid material that can be handled, cut, and worked with simple tools. Bamboo constructions tend to have cleaner and more organized work sites than traditional building methods, and they often allow for much faster construction.
In addition to being a sustainable material that does not harm the environment, bamboo can be harvested from a renewable plantation within its own natural habitat.
What is the cost of a bamboo house?
Since bamboo construction is still not widely practiced in Brazil, it can be difficult to find skilled labor and suitable materials. This limits the ability to fully explore the economic potential of bamboo. Therefore, unfortunately, bamboo construction in the country is currently not significantly cheaper than conventional building methods.
Are all bamboo species suitable for construction?
Bamboo species have different characteristics. For construction, we primarily use Dendrocalamus asper or Dendrocalamus giganteus (giant bamboo), Phyllostachys pubescens (mosso), and Guadua, due to the straightness and thickness of their culms.
How long does a bamboo structure last?
A well-designed bamboo construction, with proper treatment and maintenance, can have a long lifespan. Ebiobambu has buildings over 15 years old that remain in excellent condition.
Although bamboo is still not a widely used building material, especially in Brazil, it is an extremely resilient technology. During the 1999 earthquake in Colombia, extensive traditional residential areas were destroyed, while bamboo houses stood firm.
What can be made from bamboo?
Bamboo is an incredibly versatile material. Its various species offer us endless possibilities — the only limit is creativity.
From bamboo, it is possible to make a wide range of items: decorative objects, tools, musical instruments, kitchen utensils, accessories, hats, pipes, pens, furniture, curtains, panels, fences, roofs, hammocks… entire buildings, as well as food, and countless other things limited only by your imagination.
Does Bamboo need any treatment?
Bamboo requires treatment to protect it from insects that feed on the starch and sugar in its core. Today, there are several treatment methods, including immersion and burning. At Ebiobambu, we use and recommend injection treatment into the internodes. This involves a water-based solution containing octaborate, pyrethroid, and DDPV.
We apply this method in all our constructions and have consistently achieved excellent results.
How long does it take for a bamboo plant to reach maturity?
Bamboo is considered one of the fastest-growing plants in the world. Its shoot emerges from the ground already at the diameter it will maintain for life, and from that point, its height grows at an average rate of 13 cm per day. In six months, depending on the species, it can reach over 10 meters. Bamboo reaches full maturity and maximum strength at around three years.
How long does a bamboo construction take?
Estimating the cost and timeline of a bamboo construction is very challenging, as each project has different levels of finish and unique complexities. As a reference, we can consider the 370 m² workshop we built in Barra do Piraí, which was completed in four months with only two bamboo builders.
How many bamboo species are there?
There are around 1,400 bamboo species worldwide, each with different characteristics and properties.