Author: DM iManila

From strength to versatility and sustainability, bamboo is a game-changer in the construction industry. It surpasses various traditional building materials like wood and steel with its impressive strength-to-weight ratio, rapid growth and regenerative properties, flexibility, and tensile strength, and not to mention, its affordability. 

Currently, BASE has six (6) bamboo supply and treatment facilities across the Philippines: AOF Foundation in Panabo, Davao; FLP Construction and Agricultural Development Corp. in Parang, Maguindanao; Kanya Kawayan in Nasugbu, Batangas; Kawayan Collective in Dumaguete, Negros Oriental; Hineleban Foundation in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon; and Murcia Cooperative in Murcia, Negros Occidental.

In bamboo treatment, BASE follows the nine-step process to ensure the suitability of bamboo poles for construction:

Step 1: Received Raw Poles

BASE conducts quality control upon delivery of bamboo poles. Workers must also ensure that the poles do not directly touch the ground. In addition, bamboo must also be processed as early as possible.

Take note that not all bamboo species make a good building material. It is better to check with bamboo experts as well as to identify the particular species that are abundant in the area.

Step 2: Pre-Cleaning

This process involves washing and scrubbing the bamboo polebeforeto soaking to remove dirt and lichen that can clog the washing tub.

Step 3: Node Punching

The bamboo nodes are being drilled on both sides for water and treatment solutions to pass through.

Step 4: Washing

Bamboo poles are soaked in moving water for three (3) daytoto remove the starch. Before removing from the washing tub, the bamboo poles must be scrubbed to remove the starch on the exterior. 

Step 5: Drying

It is the process of removing the natural water of bamboo poles. This process can be done through air drying or sun drying.

Step 6: Quality Control

Workers must ensure that there are no rejected washed and semi-dried poles that will undergo treatment.

Step 7: Treatment

The bamboo poles are now loaded in the treatment tank. Workers must also ensure that bamboo poles ary submerged in the treatment solution.

Step 8: Dripping

The bamboo poles are unloaded in the treatment tank and placed in the dripping board to allow excess treatment solution to drip back into the treatment tank.

Step 9: Racking of treated poles

The treated poles are being organized on a rack and in a dry place away from direct sunlight. In this process, bamboo poles also undergo quality control before delivery to construction sites.

By following this process and properly protecting the bamboo from natural elements such as rain and exposure to the sun, bamboo can have a lifespan exceeding 30 to 50 years. Learn more about bamboo as a building material with Base.

Base Bahay Foundation, Inc (BASE) is the pioneer of the Cement-Bamboo Framework in the Philippines. BASE builds affordable and disaster-resilient structures using bamboo-based technology. Through continuous research in the Base Innovation Center (BIC), BASE is optimizing the technology and looking for new applications outside its standard model. BASE also offers training courses under its Bamboo Academy program to share alternative building technologies and provide further knowledge on bamboo construction. Learn more about BASE projects and initiatives!

The global affordable housing gap is currently estimated at 330 million urban households and with the impact of natural disasters, it is expected to grow greatly affecting millions of people with loss of life, property, and living. By building durable structures, people can avoid constant rebuilding whenever a calamity strikes, and every family will have a secure and livable space, which is one of the basic human necessities.

BASE with its Cement-Bamboo Frame Technology utilizes bamboo as an alternative construction material to build durable and sustainable structures that are tested to resist typhoons, earthquakes, fire, and insect infestation. Beyond building quality structures, this technology also helps the value chain as it provides livelihood to local farmers, helps establish a circular economy, and cultivates the skills of the workers through the provision of technical skills training.

How it started

In 2011, the Hilti Foundation initiated a research program in the Philippines with the objective of determining the viability of bamboo as the main building material in construction. Despite its abundant availability and promising prospects, bamboo has yet to be fully utilized in this sector. The research was driven by the urgent requirement for environmentally sustainable, resilient, and socially inclusive housing solutions in developing nations. After conducting a series of research and tests to showcase the durability of the technology, the Hilti Foundation made the decision to provide funding to Base in 2013, leading to the establishment of the Base Bahay Foundation, Inc. in 2014.

What is CBFT?

CBFT is a combination of Bahareque technology, European engineering, and Filipino craftsmanship. This is recognized by the Accreditation of Innovative Technologies for Housing (AITECH). Because of the abundance of bamboo in the country, CBFT makes it an ideal housing material.

This technology supported by research maximizes the use of bamboo and applies it for more reliable and systematic performance in engineering structures. It is also affordable compared to conventional structures and designed for permanent use. It is a holistic approach to addressing the global housing gap while focusing on sustainability in terms of materials used and the positive impact it can provide on the community and the people involved in the value chain process.

CBFT: What makes it a good alternative building technology?

To ensure that the housing technology is disaster-resilient, the CBFT has undergone multiple tests such as in material, connection, and system to prove its reliability as building technology. Base also houses the latest technology to conduct a series of testing.

Through the Base Innovation Center, Base works with different local and international institutions and universities to develop further research and innovations and improve the technology.

Overall, more than 6,000 people in 15 communities have found new homes in over 1,500 disaster-resilient CBFT houses in the Philippines and Nepal.

Base Bahay Foundation, Inc (BASE) is the pioneer of Cement-Bamboo Framework in the Philippines. BASE builds affordable and disaster-resilient structures using bamboo-based technology. Through continuous research in the Base Innovation Center (BIC), BASE is optimizing the technology and looking for new applications outside its standard model. BASE also offers training courses under its Bamboo Academy program to share the alternative building technologies and provide further knowledge on bamboo construction. Learn more about BASE projects and initiatives!

Building with bamboo offers a unique opportunity to create sustainable, affordable, and beautiful structures. However, it’s important to note that bamboo, like any other material, requires proper treatment to ensure its durability and longevity in construction projects. 

One of the main reasons to treat bamboo is to stop it from rotting and attracting bugs which can lead to fungus growth and weaken the material. Also, insects like termites, beetles, and borers can live in bamboo, damaging the building’s structure. There are several methods for treating bamboo, and the choice of method depends on the intended use and the specific environmental conditions of the construction site. Let’s explore some of the common methods for treating bamboo poles.

Harvesting High Quality Bamboo 

Selecting construction grade bamboo for construction involves several key considerations:

• Species of bamboo: There are many species of bamboo, and not all of them are suitable for construction. Look for bamboo species that are known for their strength and durability, such as Guadua Angustifolia, Bambusa Blumeana, and Dentrocalamus Asper.

• Age of bamboo: When fully mature, bamboo reaches its peak strength and durability, typically between 3 and 5 years of age, depending on the species. Avoid using bamboo that is less than three years old for construction purposes, as it may lack the necessary strength.

• Straightness: Look for upright bamboo culms with minimal bending or warping. Bent or deformed bamboo culms may compromise the structural integrity of the structure and make installation challenging.

• Visual inspection: Inspect the bamboo culms visually for any visible defects such as cracks, holes, or signs of damage. Avoid using bamboo with visible defects as they may compromise its strength and durability.

Considering these factors, you can choose bamboo that is durable and suited to your particular needs. 

Soaking 

In Asia, soaking bamboo poles in salt water is a common traditional method of preservation. This process is similar to pickling, as it removes sugars from the bamboo, preserves it, and makes it less appealing to pests. Soaking of bamboo is a common practice that serves to prepare bamboo for a variety of applications, including construction, furniture making, and arts and crafts. Base simulates this process by soaking the bamboo in a multi-layer washing tub with running water to drain the starch out of the bamboo.

Drying

After soaking, bamboo is typically dried by resting it against another bamboo tree or structure. This allows for natural ventilation to aid in the gradual reduction of moisture and humidity in the bamboo. Monitoring the drying process is essential for achieving uniform drying and preventing mold growth. When bamboo is properly dried, it becomes less vulnerable to rot and insect infestation.

Treatment

Bamboo preservation is crucial to maintaining its longevity and sustainability. The durability of bamboo is influenced by its exposure position and the rate of attack by biological agents. Untreated bamboo exposed to soil and atmosphere has a short lifespan, while treated bamboo’s lifespan increases life expectancy to 50-100 years. 

Preserving bamboo can be challenging due to its unique structure, with the outer skin and waxy layer making it difficult to apply preservatives. Various treatment methods have been developed to overcome these challenges, including prophylactic, non-pressure, and pressure treatments. Choosing the right preservative chemicals approved by the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA), boron, borax, boric acid, and phytochemicals, are popular. By preserving bamboo, we can ensure its sustainability and promote its use as an eco-friendly and long-lasting material.

Producing high-quality bamboo materials for construction demands dedication and expertise. Base Bahay, a recognized expert in cement-bamboo frame housing, can play a crucial role in advancing innovative techniques that establish bamboo as a viable option for construction materials. Together, we can contribute to a greener and more sustainable future.

Base Bahay Foundation, Inc (BASE) is the pioneer of Cement-Bamboo Framework  in the Philippines. BASE builds affordable and disaster-resilient structures using bamboo-based technology. Through continuous research in the Base Innovation Center (BIC), BASE is optimizing the technology and looking for new applications outside its standard model. BASE also offers training courses under its Bamboo Academy program to share the alternative building technologies and provide further knowledge on bamboo construction. Learn more about BASE initiatives and join the movement in building a better tomorrow.

Building an eco-friendly home for your family comes with numerous advantages. In addition to its environmental benefits by reducing carbon emissions, these homes are considerably more cost and energy efficient compared to conventional houses. 

According to recent studies, 37% of total global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are actually caused by construction industries. With this, professionals working in the construction industry opted to transition to sustainable construction through alternative building systems and renewable green technology.

Learn more about the benefits of having “eco-friendly homes” and why you should invest in these types of properties in the future.

Cost and Energy Efficient

Based on the latest energy report, the Philippines is among the highest in Asia. Due to global energy market instability, people are now at risk of paying even more for power supplies. For this reason, more and more people are looking for ways to cut down on their costs.

Some even commit to using solar panels to utilize energy from the sun or design properties with windows that let in as much natural light as possible. This approach helps to reduce energy consumption and promote sustainability.

In addition, by utilizing a renewable, locally sourced, and readily available material, it can significantly reduce construction costs compared to traditional building materials.

Affordable 

Eco-friendly are built using sustainable materials, and bamboo is commonly used as an example. Bamboo is highly sustainable due to its rapid growth, making it easily accessible and cost-effective compared to other building materials. Its abundance contributes to a reduced market price, making it an affordable house construction choice. Additionally, when properly maintained, bamboo structures demonstrate remarkable resilience against natural disasters such as earthquakes and strong winds. This inherent strength minimizes the need for frequent repairs or reconstruction, providing added durability and stability to the construction.

Better Air Quality

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Household air pollution exposure has been linked to various noncommunicable diseases, including stroke, ischemic heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lung cancer. By being in an eco-friendly home, you can prevent this from happening. You can live in a healthier space by utilizing green resources and transitioning to sustainable materials.

Healthier Lifestyle

For someone who is living in an eco-friendly home, it inspires you to live a healthier lifestyle. Whether you’re a fan of walking or cycling instead of using a car, these activities do good for your overall health and well-being. This is why many people all over the world have been starting to live sustainably as well.

Increase In Property Value

With the rise of sustainable housing, eco-friendly homes have gained significant value compared to conventional houses. Living in eco-friendly homes is not just cost-efficient, but also a smart and sustainable investment.

Base Bahay Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to sustainable housing has always emphasized the importance of quality design and mindful engineering in its developments.

Base Bahay Foundation, Inc (BASE) is the pioneer of Cement-Bamboo Framework in the Philippines. BASE builds affordable and disaster-resilient structures using bamboo-based technology. Through continuous research in the Base Innovation Center (BIC), BASE is optimizing the technology and looking for new applications outside its standard model. BASE also offers training courses under its Bamboo Academy program to share the alternative building technologies and provide further knowledge on bamboo construction. Learn more about BASE projects and initiatives!