Authors

Dr. Jean-Luc Kouyoumji

Dr. Eric Heisel

Luis Lopez

Abstract

Building with bio-sourced material is an emerging industry that can make a high contribution to the reduction of GHG emissions and help to unlock the low-carbon, circular economy. Bamboo is a very interesting bio-sourced material for construction. Since years, bamboo is demonstrating a very nice alternative to mineral materials. By maximising the use of bio-sourced in new built and renovation through optimal hybrid solutions with other materials, the built environment can be transformed into a large-scale carbon sink. However, unlocking the potential of bio-sourced as both a sustainable building material and climate solution (the ‘natural-carbon-pump’) requires a stronger focus on the bio-sourced construction chains and the whole innovation ecosystem.
First, we will talk about the building value chain for different products and building systems. Comparison will be made with wood industry using engineered wood products (EWP) for the latest developments of high-rise wooden buildings. Authors will show that building with innovative material such as bamboo and engineered bamboo products (EBP) is only a matter of regulations, engineering capacities and implementation methods.
Second, we will focus on bamboo treatment showing some relevant results coming from the Philippines. We will show case of an innovative bamboo treatment implemented at a country scale in the Philippines that is turning today international, with the Base Bahay Foundation of the Hilti Foundation. The project concerns building with bamboo quality socialized homes. Homes that are comfortable, affordable, disaster resilient, ecologically friendly, and with social impact.
Bamboo is known to be difficult to treat due to its high resistance to impregnation. Soaking – diffusion gives some efficiency for needed bamboo preservation rate, as well as for the intensive productivity rate. Alternative solution to the use of traditional treatment products for bamboo poles treatment was investigated and an innovative methodology was successfully implemented in 5 sites in the Philippines, supplying bamboo for housing projects. We will show how a treatment facility has to be designed for workers safety, for environment safety, for bamboo material efficiency, and for product quality control. The treatment procedure is composed of 15 necessary steps to be followed. BSInnovations is the body responsible of the invention, the installation and the technical validation of the treatment facility.