BAMBOO: The Green Steel of Sustainable Building | Architalktural

 

BAMBOO: The Green Steel of Sustainable Building

"Discover why bamboo is called the “Green Steel” of sustainable building — strong, renewable, and eco-friendly from root to roof".

In the rapidly advancing realm of sustainable architecture, designers are on a mission to find materials that not only reduce environmental impact but also enhance performance. Every choice—whether it’s about energy-efficient lighting or eco-conscious design practices—plays a vital role in crafting a greener future. Among all natural building materials, one truly shines as both a time-honored and groundbreaking option: bamboo. Being the green steel, bamboo is revolutionizing the idea of sustainable building, presenting a compelling example of architecture that aligns seamlessly with nature. Embracing bamboo could be a transformative step towards a more sustainable world.

OBJECTIVE

Bamboo is often hailed as one of the most sustainable building materials in the world — and for good reason. In this blog, we will delve into the versatility of bamboo in terms of its unique combination of environmental, economic, and structural benefits that makes it ideal for green building design.

A Wonder of Nature: Rapid Renewability

Bamboo stands out as an exceptional sustainable resource, largely due to its impressive growth rate. Certain species can grow nearly a meter in a single day and attain full maturity within just three to five years. Unlike traditional timber, bamboo requires no replanting after harvesting; it regenerates naturally from its root system, which not only preserves soil health but also guarantees an ongoing supply. This remarkable self-renewal ability positions bamboo as one of the fastest-renewing resources in the world, significantly alleviating pressures on forests and playing a crucial role in restoring degraded lands. Choosing bamboo is not just an eco-friendly option; it’s a powerful step toward a more sustainable future.

Low Environmental Impact, High Positive Effect

Beyond its renewability, bamboo is a powerful ally in creating a healthier planet. As a natural carbon sink, it absorbs more carbon dioxide and releases more oxygen than most trees of similar size. Its robust root system not only stabilizes soil and prevents erosion but also retains moisture, making it essential for reforestation and land conservation efforts. Moreover, bamboo thrives with minimal fertilizers and pesticides, making it an eco-friendly choice. When sourced locally, it significantly cuts down transportation emissions, paving the way for sustainable construction practices that truly benefit the environment. Choosing bamboo is a step towards a greener future.

Strength, Flexibility, and Versatility

Bamboo seamlessly blends lightweight properties with remarkable strength, making it a superior building material. With tensile strength rivaling that of steel, it is an excellent choice for structural elements like framing, flooring, and trusses. Its natural flexibility allows it to resist earthquakes, storms, and strong winds, positioning it as an ideal option for resilient architecture in tropical and seismic regions. From charming rustic huts to innovative eco-resorts, bamboo’s adaptability empowers architects to craft stunning, durable designs that honor the beauty of natural materials. Embracing bamboo not only enhances aesthetics but also promotes sustainability, making it a smart choice for modern construction.

Energy Efficiency and Low Waste

Utilizing bamboo for production requires significantly less energy than traditional materials like steel or concrete. Not only is bamboo biodegradable and recyclable, but it also generates minimal waste throughout its life cycle. When treated correctly, bamboo structures can last for decades, making them a long-lasting and eco-friendly choice that perfectly aligns with sustainable building practices. Choose bamboo for a greener future!

Empowering Communities and Culture

Sustainability is about more than just protecting the environment; it’s fundamentally linked to supporting people. In Asia, Africa, and Latin America, bamboo cultivation and craftsmanship open up vital income opportunities for rural communities. Affordable and accessible, bamboo not only bolsters local economies but also honors traditional building techniques and cultural heritage. By embracing bamboo, designers and builders can make a meaningful impact, fostering both environmental sustainability and the wellbeing of communities that depend on this incredible resource.

FINAL THOUGHTS: A Building Material for the Future

Bamboo is a powerful example of the three pillars of sustainability—environmental, social, and economic. It grows rapidly, creates jobs, and provides both strength and beauty in equal measure. As the field of green building advances, bamboo reminds us that true innovation often comes from embracing nature’s wisdom. Sustainable architecture is not just about what we create; it’s about how we create it and the materials we choose. In this narrative, bamboo shines as a timeless symbol of resilience, regeneration, and deep respect for our planet.

Ar. JOEY CASTANEDA

Architect, Sustainable Architecture

Link in account for architectural works.

Linktree account for artworks.

CITATIONS AND RECOMMENDED READINGS:

1. United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). (2020). Bamboo and Rattan for Sustainable Development. UNEP and International Bamboo and Rattan Organisation (INBAR).
   https://www.inbar.int/resources/

2. International Bamboo and Rattan Organisation (INBAR). (2019). Bamboo for Sustainable Construction.
   https://www.inbar.int/bamboo-for-sustainable-construction/

3. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). (2010). World Bamboo Resources: A Thematic Study Prepared in the Framework of the Global Forest Resources Assessment 2005.
   https://www.fao.org/forestry/bamboo/en/

4. Van der Lugt, P., Vogtländer, J., Brezet, H., & van der Vegte, H. (2006). Bamboo as a Building Material for the Future — A Study of the Environmental Impact and Mechanical Properties. Journal of Materials Science, Delft University of Technology.

5. Zhou, A., & Bian, Y. (2015). Mechanical Properties of Bamboo and Its Suitability for Construction Applications. Construction and Building Materials, 81, 66–73.
   DOI: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2015.02.040

6. Shao, Z., & Zhang, S. (2011). Study on the Physical and Mechanical Properties of Bamboo for Building Construction. Construction and Building Materials, 25(6), 2749–2753.

7. Architecture 2030. (n.d.). Embodied Carbon and Sustainable Materials.
   https://architecture2030.org/

8. World Green Building Council (WGBC). (2022). Advancing Net Zero: Sustainable Materials in Construction.
   https://worldgbc.org/

PHOTO ATTRIBUTIONS:

Cover Photo:

By Carven Yong Jui Ming - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=92764629

Floating Bamboo Houses are original images copyright owned by Architalktural

The rest are royalty-free stock photos by Pixabay

UNVEILING THE TRUE IDENTITY OF FILIPINO ARCHITECTURE - Have we really found it? | Architalktural

UNVEILING THE TRUE IDENTITY OF FILIPINO ARCHITECTURE - Have we really found it?

When we consider architecture, some well-known styles, like Gothic, Baroque, or Modern, often pop up. But what about Filipino architecture? Does it really exist as a unique style, or is it just a mix of influences from other cultures? The reality is that, Filipino architecture is much more than just a combination of styles—it continuously shows the Philippines' deep history, cultural variety, and one-of-a-kind surroundings. In this blog, we will look into how Filipino architecture has evolved and answer the question: is there truly such a thing as Filipino architecture? 

Indigenous and Vernacular Architecture 

I have always been mesmerized by the concept of the Ifugao House, to the extent that even by its appearance, it gives me the impression that these houses might have been the very first houses built by our ancestors even before the Nipa Hut, or “Bahay Kubo.”

Ifugao House

Oh well, I should say I was really mesmerized because since I started writing this blog, I have already developed that kind of strong urge in my mind, and so, I was eventually prompted to do some research about the Ifugao House right away. I told myself, why not?

As usual, I started looking at Wikipedia. But wait, it appears like Wikipedia only provides information about Ifugao as a place, but what about the house? I found one small picture with a short caption. And so I went on with other websites but unfortunately, I was not able to find the right information for the purpose that I am trying to point out. So I went on until I reached my last resort...I dug some research work of some universities instead, and voila! I think I found one that may help. There you go... oh wow, this one came from Ifugao State University itself. How about that? (please see citation).

Here's an excerpt from the report:

 

“The Ifugao build their native houses in villages or near the rice terraces. It is unique from the common “bahay kubo” of the Filipinos. Guyjoco (2017) describes the Ifugao House a “no-nail house” which plays a great role in Pinoy pride. 

 

The Ifugao “Bale” or Native House is said to be the “first pre-fabricated house in the world,” according to renowned anthropologist Otley Beyer. It has been the subject of many scholarly articles as it is considered to be one of the most ingenious and nearly perfect architectural constructs made by man. This type of dwelling does not make use of nails thus it is also called the “No-Nail" house, The house can be dismantled and transferred to another place of choice without destroying any part of it.” 

 

Wow! Aren’t you amazed by that? Well, I am. I am a big fan of Ifugao House by the way. It’s not that I came to know these facts for the very first time, but this information even gives me an early hint as to what I am trying to point out. But we'll get there. It's just too early to conclude our discussion yet, so we need to keep on digging. Please stay with me mates. Let me cover "Bahay Kubo" as well. My apologies to its supporters for the delay. Here’s some information for you:  

 

Since Bahay Kubo is very typical, I will just describe it based on familiarity. Bahay Kubo is a house made of a nipa roof, hence from where the English name “Nipa Hut” was derived, has a steeply pitched roof, open windows, and a “silong” or a space underneath for storage, ventilation, and small livestock. It is constructed using bamboo, wood, and nipa leaves for roof materials with a sustainable design that is inexpensive and can withstand natural disasters. Since it’s made of bamboo, the connections are usually tied up with strong tying materials, which makes it different from the Ifugao House, where they use no-nail joineries. Bahay Kubo is difficult to dismantle, which makes it difficult to transfer to another place. It usually requires a “Bayanihan” or collective effort by the neighborhood. 

Bayanihan

 

In addition, Bahay Kubo has a lot of resemblance to our neighboring Asian countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, etc., and also Kubo was named after the Spanish word Cubo, which means cube, or a square room or space, not to mention its evolution into “Bahay na Bato,” again, another Spanish influence.

 

The Influence of Colonial History 

Bahay na Bato

I already have started mentioning the Spanish influence on "Bahay na Bato", but aside from that, the Spanish also introduced Mediterranean, Roman, Gothic, Baroque, and Neo-classical styles, such as those in the churches, government buildings, and some houses of prominent families. Ironically, the term "ancestral house" nowadays is usually attributed to the old Spanish-influenced houses. But if we should go deeper, I believe the pre-colonial houses deserve accreditation as well.

During the American colonialization, buildings and bridges within the Metropolitan Manila area were modernized. However, the Japanese did not have much influence when it comes to architecture. Perhaps a few buildings, but we couldn’t find a trace nowadays. 

 

The Fusion of Styles: A Unique Identity 

Modern House Design in the Philippines

If we look at the current design trend, we can find architecture in the Philippines as a blend of influences, creating a hybrid identity. This fusion of cultural, historical, and modern elements contributes to a distinctive Filipino architectural style. Modern Filipino architecture combines elements of local tradition and international trends. We have prominent architects like Juan Nakpil, Leandro Locsin, and Francisco Manosa who have contributed to the evolution of Filipino design. 

 

Sustainability and Local Materials 

Amidst the growing trend of sustainable architecture in the Philippines, little did we know that the subject of sustainability is certainly not new. It actually originated way back from the pre-colonial era, and probably even earlier, perhaps to the time when our real ancestors designed and built the Ifugao house. Then, followed by the Bahay Kubo, all of which use local materials like wood, bamboo, and nipa palm to create eco-friendly designs. A prominent Filipino Architect, Francisco Manosa is very well known for reviving the use of local and indigenous materials in his projects. He even took advantage of the versatility of the coconut tree, as his ingenuity is evident in his design of the famous Coconut Palace. Other Indigenous materials available locally are rattan and abaca, which are also very useful in making furniture, and capiz, which is renowned for sliding windows, amongst many others.

 

FINAL THOUGHTS

Filipino Architecture – An ongoing quest for its true identity

Filipino architecture is not a singular, static style but a dynamic, evolving expression of Filipino ingenuity, history, and culture. We could always look at the continuing growth and innovation in Filipino architecture, but we also need to reflect on our past. If our aim is to define the true identity of Filipino Architecture, we need to dig deeper into its history, just like tracing our family roots. For me, I would consider the deepest root starts with the Ifugao House, the Bahay Kubo and other traditional indigenous houses, and so on and so forth. If we could learn the culture of each ethnic group in our society, and find out why and how they came up with their design ideas and carry on with how they evolved throughout the centuries, only then we could clearly unveil the right criterion in determining the true identity of Filipino architecture. 

 

Joey Castaneda

Architect

Link in account for architectural works.

Linktree account for artworks.

CITATIONS: 

THE IFUGAO FOLK ARCHITECTURE AND HOUSE CONSTRUCTION, research work from Ifugao State University, Sept 2022 

https://www.scribd.com/document/623139778/IfugaoNativeHouse 

PHOTO ATTRIBUTIONS:

Ifugao House: Ranieljosecastaneda, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Bayanihan: Bonvallite, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Bahay na Bato: Ramon FVelasquez, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Modern House: PaulGorduiz106, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Cover Photo and others: Royalty free photos by Pexel and Pixabay