When you look at construction materials, how many of them come from a mine or quarry? The action of taking these substances from the ground can be very bad for the environment. It can require a huge amount of energy and produces a lot of carbon. Wouldn’t it be better if we could cultivate the materials instead? This is why things like timber are a great alternative. Being an architect London clients regularly come to for help choosing materials, we always look for the greenest options.

Storing carbon

Bamboo is one material that a lot of people are looking at as a greener alternative. It is very strong, making it very good for structural uses. More importantly, it can lock away as much carbon as a tree. This means cultivating it actually removes CO2 from the atmosphere. It then locks it away, not releasing it during its lifecycle.

Another great thing about growing bamboo is it is a pioneer plant. That means it is possible to plant them on barren pieces of land where nothing else can grow. As a result it would not require the use of any land that could be for producing food or livestock.

Composite

Pieces of many species of bamboo on their own are strong and durable. In fact, they are already used in construction in many countries around the world. The concern though is how long the material lasts. It can rot in the damp and can attract insects.

However, there may be other options for the material. Researchers are looking at how they can use the bamboo to create composites. Combining it with resin can create new materials that have some really interesting characteristics. As a result, the composites could be great for lots of uses. The hope is they could even reach a point where they could be used instead of steel to reinforce concrete.

Growth?

Bamboo could have an incredible future as a building material. It is green, sustainable, cheap, and recyclable. However, there is still a lot of work to do to make it commercially viable around the world. This means more research and a closer look at what is possible with the material.

Talk to an architect in London

Coffey Architects understands why people want to get it right when it comes to materials. We can help here, exploring options for the structure itself as well as the interior. Our goal is to guide clients so they consider everything and settle on products they are happy with.

So, if you are planning a project and want some help, come to us. You can work with an architect London clients rate very highly. In fact, we are an award winning team with some of the very best resources. That can ensure your project is successful.