Summary Reader's Response Draft #4: Building With Bamboo

 

In the article, “An Architect’s Guide to Building with Bamboo”, Vadot (n.d) states that bamboo is “resonated as a reliable and sustainable material for the future of construction”. He finds that bamboo flourishes well  with little maintenance and can be harvested in various locations across the world. He also mentions that bamboo is a lightweight material and cannot be overlooked in the construction industry for its ability to complete stable, weight-bearing structures. In addition, he adds that bamboo is cheap to procure and transport in areas it grows. He remarks that although bamboo is “often referred to as a fit alternative to steel”, it is feeble and “requires treatment and protection from natural circumstances”. He observes that because of its adaptive nature, it encompasses over 1200 species and evolves uniquely. Furthermore, it is impossible to classify and standardise in the “words and functions of a civil building code”.

While Vadot (n.d) mentions the advantages and sustainable use of bamboo, and touches on its disadvantages, he fails to mention in detail how bamboo is prone to degradation, shrinking and swelling as the environment changes. He also does not mention that bamboo is not easily classified by grades.

One area that Vadot (n.d) does not mention is bamboo is prone to degradation. In the article, “The Pros and Cons of Bamboo in Green Building”, Element Green (n.d) reports that bamboo contains high starch content, and will be “vulnerable to natural elements”, if it is not treated correctly. It also notes that “harmful chemicals, like formaldehyde and arsenic” can be used by manufacturers to treat it. In my opinion, when chemicals are used to ensure that the bamboo does not degrade over time, bamboo will no longer be a sustainable material.  In another article, ConnectUS (n.d) reports that “The process of shredding and slicing the bamboo grass plant, including the adhesion of pieces back together with the use of heat and a resin-based adhesive and pressure could cause the emission of VOCs.” As  this report states, bamboo is not sustainable because it must be treated before using and can lead to adverse health effects and harm the environment in the process of procuring it.

Another area that Vadot (n.d) does not mention is bamboo is susceptible to shrinking and swelling as the environment changes. In the article, “General Properties of Bamboo and Maintenance Tips”, Bamboo Imports (n.d) reports that bamboo will absorb or expel moisture according to the environment. It also details that “Splits and cracks may then occur due to stress caused by sudden drying and direct exposure to the sun.” In fact, it shows that structures built with bamboo are susceptible to breaking apart over time, with the repetitive shrinking and swelling.

Lastly, Vadot (n.d) does not sufficiently explain that bamboo is not easily classified by grades. In the article, “Bamboo Flooring Pros & Cons”, Urban Customs (n.d) reports bamboo does not have a fix grading system in determining the quality of the bamboo, instead, “retailers often sort them into grades, but it is just an arbitrary system”. With this being reported, it would mean that bamboo does not have a system in place to determines its quality but instead judged based on its appearance.

Although Vadot (n.d) did mention the advantages and sustainable use of bamboo as a construction material, the article  was not sufficient in determining the viability and feasibility of using bamboo. He should have reported the disadvantages in more detail. With the disadvantages mentioned, the article would allow better idea on the suitability of bamboo as a construction material.

 

References

 

Bamboo Flooring Pros & Cons | Advantages & Disadvantages. Urban Customs (n.d.).

https://urbancustomsaz.com/pros-cons-bamboo-flooring/

 

General Properties of Bamboo and Maintenance Tips. (n.d.).  Bamboo Import Europe.

https://www.bambooimport.com/en/properties-of-bamboo-and-maintenance-tips

 

 The Pros and Cons of Bamboo in Green Building. (n.d.). Elemental.Green.

https://elemental.green/the-pros-and-cons-of-bamboo-in-green-building/

 

Vadot, C. (n.d.). An Architect’s Guide to Building With Bamboo. Architizer.

                          https://architizer.com/blog/practice/details/how-to-bamboo/

 

8 Advantages and Disadvantages of Bamboo Flooring. (2016, August 14). ConnectUS.

https://connectusfund.org/8-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-bamboo-flooring