Bamboo has been extensively used for many centuries in the orient, especially the tropics, as a building material. There are many ways to use bamboo in building structures. It is a very fast growing renewable plant, taking only 3 years for even the thickest structural sized bamboo to regrow.
It is an excellent material for mild climates; tropical or subtropical. When properly cured by soaking in salt or borax, it can last for decades. Bamboo has been a primary building material in SE Asia for hundreds of years.
Structural bamboo can safely support multi-story buildings. Singapore held a contest for a bamboo skyspraper. The winning entries were highly creative. See our Further Study section for more info.
This bamboo house uses many passive cooling techniques: wrap around porch, raised home, peaked roof, large windows.
Designs can be creative and beautiful.
Pros:
Very renewable.
Easy to work with, strong and flexible.
Earthquake resistant.
Lasts for decades when properly cured.
Relatively fast construction time.
Cool, breathable material; will not hold heat like stone or earth in hot climates.
Can replace wood
Cons:
No insulation
Doesn’t last as long as most earth homes
Fire vulnerable.