Tag: Alternative Building Technologies

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!

As the world grapples with environmental issues such as climate change and deforestation, it has become increasingly important to look for alternative building technologies that can reduce the negative impact of the construction industry on the environment. One that would make such a good alternative building material is bamboo.

Often thought as a secondary and decorative building material, bamboo has a lot more to offer. It possesses remarkable properties, which have made it an ideal construction material for a wide range of applications – from flooring to scaffolding, furniture to housing. This very same set of properties is also what gives bamboo a high potential to revolutionize the construction industry, particularly in terms of sustainability. Read further to know how bamboo makes a good sustainable construction material below.

Highly renewable resource

Bamboo is a highly renewable resource that grows much faster than trees, making it an eco-friendly and sustainable option for construction. Bamboo can grow up to 91 cm (3 feet) per day such as Bambusa blumeana and Dentrocalamus asper, which means that it can be harvested and replanted relatively quickly, unlike traditional building materials like wood, which can take decades or even centuries to grow to maturity.

Strength and durability

Bamboo is a naturally strong and durable material that can withstand heavy loads and extreme weather conditions. Bamboo’s high strength-to-weight ratio makes it an ideal material for building structures that need to be sturdy and long-lasting.

Pest and Decay resistance if properly treated

Bamboo is a material that has been used for centuries in construction. However, untreated bamboo can be vulnerable to decay and pest infestations, which can shorten its lifespan and compromise its structural integrity. Proper treatment can help bamboo resist decay and pests. The treatment process can help ensure that bamboo is a durable and long-lasting material that can be used in construction. 

Low carbon footprint

Bamboo has the potential to sequester carbon through its fast growth and ability to store carbon dioxide through photosynthesis. Studies have shown that the carbon stored in bamboo poles is 51 to 54 percent of the bamboo pole biomass density, and bamboo products such as houses, furniture, boards, or engineered bamboo are durable and can last up to 25 to 50 years, sometimes even 100 years, making them a carbon pool or carbon reservoir. When compared to other building materials, such as cement, steel, or PVC, bamboo can have a lower carbon footprint, especially when used to replace emission-intensive materials in construction.

Versatile

Bamboo is a versatile material that can be used in a wide range of applications, from small-scale furniture to large-scale buildings. This versatility makes it a practical and sustainable choice for construction projects of all sizes.

Indeed, bamboo offers a futuristic approach to the construction industry by paving the way for a more sustainable and eco-friendly building technology. Learn more about bamboo as a building material with Base.

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!

With temperatures getting high, droughts becoming longer, and tropical storms becoming more severe, it’s no secret that we are facing a climate crisis. According to the Asian Development Bank, Asia is responsible for 50% of the world’s total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, causing this worldwide crisis. 

The real estate industry, specifically residential buildings, is one of the leading contributors of GHG in the continent. Although industrial construction and development firms are now adopting eco-friendly practices, homeowners and prospective buyers must do their part as well and explore practical ways to reduce carbon emission, GHG’s main component. This involves identifying ecologically sound and sustainable housing options.

Sustainable housing options

In present times, sustainable housing options are more accessible and transformative. As responsible homeowners and prospective buyers below are ways you can practice sustainability in your own way.

• If you are planning to build your house, opt to use sustainable construction materials like bamboo. Aside from being ecological, it is an affordable yet quality option. 
• Location wise, choose an area that is near to your workplace and local amenities to help reduce carbon emission caused by frequent traveling with vehicles.
• Consider installing solar panels. This helps in reducing your household’s emissions by generating electricity from renewable sources. Also, it is proven to be cost-effective in the long run. 
• Replace outdated appliances with energy-star certified ones that consume less electricity. Additionally, you can switch to more energy-efficient lighting by replacing bulbs into LED products.
• Turn off and disconnect electronic devices when not in use or opt for electronics that consume minimal energy.
• Reduce the usage of HVAC systems. Consider adding more windows or ceiling fans instead.
• Create a crop garden in your backyard. This reduces dependence on grocery stores and other retailers that contribute to carbon emissions through production and transportation. 

By making sustainable decisions in our own homes, we can all participate in reducing the negative environmental impact of housing on the environment. Achieving a sustainable world may seem daunting, but it can be accomplished one house at a time. Learn more about sustainable housing with Base.

Base Bahay Foundation, Inc (BASE) is the pioneer of Cement-Bamboo Framework  in the Philippines initiated by the Hilti Foundation. 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. Visit their website and learn more about BASE technology and sustainable construction.

When building your dream house, you naturally want the best materials available. Historically, earth bricks, wood, and concrete have been the go-to options for construction. However, the continued use of these materials have caused higher negative environmental impact. According to Forbes, the real estate sector is responsible for nearly 40% of global carbon dioxide emissions while building operations contribute roughly 70% of these emissions, and construction activities account for 30%.

Many people have turned to sustainable construction methods and materials to address these concerns. This approach prioritizes using green building materials and sustainable construction methods that aim to reduce carbon emission while promoting environmentally friendly practices. Here are some of the sustainable construction methods to achieve this goal and their environmental benefits:

Design for sustainability

The first step in encouraging sustainable building is to design with sustainability in mind. Addressing the environmental effect of a building prior to construction, designers may minimize the carbon emissions of the structure while optimizing its energy efficiency and sustainability. Sustainable design approaches may significantly decrease the energy required, materials consumed, and waste produced.

Use sustainable building materials

Bamboo is widely acknowledged as a sustainable and renewable building material, making it an ideal choice for sustainable construction. In a study conducted, bamboo has an embodied energy which is very low when compared to other construction materials like concrete, steel, and plastic. Bamboo also helps in controlling erosion and flooding as well as controlling the local climates through photosynthesis. In addition, bamboo is a good option for people searching on eco-friendly building materials due to its sustainable harvesting methods and positive environmental impact.

Reduce waste

Construction is widely known for generating a significant amount of wastes. One effective way of reducing waste is by using precise measurements in material cutting and production and improving waste management through recycling. Integrating alternative building technologies with effective waste management systems is critical to achieving sustainable construction and reducing wastage. Partnering with organizations like BASE, that developed the Cement-Bamboo Frame Technology (CBFT), will provide access to new innovations and waste mitigation initiatives.

Implement sustainable practices

Contractors have the opportunity to promote environmental stewardship by adopting sustainable practices. One way to conserve natural resources is to encourage workers to practice eco-friendly habits such as recycling and composting. We can also reduce the building’s environmental effects through water conservation methods, such as utilizing low-flow water fixtures and collecting and recycling rainwater. These sustainable approaches support ecological preservation and show commitment to responsible construction practices.

Sustainable future starts with sustainable construction. Using eco-friendly materials and sustainable construction practices can drastically reduce negative environmental impacts. Base is committed to helping organizations, government agencies, and private institutions accomplish this objective by providing sustainable housing solutions.

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.

Bamboo is a natural material used for construction in many countries, especially in Asia, where it is mostly abundant. It is a sustainable construction material that has less carbon footprint. It proliferates and can be harvested without destroying the plant, making it an excellent choice for environmentally conscious construction. 

However, the question arises about whether bamboo is a safe building material during earthquakes and other natural calamities. Severe shaking caused by earthquakes can cause the collapse of buildings made of various materials. Therefore, assessing whether bamboo can withstand significant shaking without compromising a building’s structural integrity is essential. In this article, we will explore the properties of bamboo and its advantages as a construction material in regions prone to seismic activity.

Bamboo’s Strength

Bamboo when mature, can exhibit strong mechanical properties in compression and tension, making it a durable and resilient material capable of enduring high loads and pressure. According to a study, Bamboo is known for its ability to resist tension more than compression due to its highly elastic fibers, which have a high tensile strength. Bamboo fiber’s tensile strength is higher than steel, with axial parallel fibers having a tensile strength of up to 400 N/mm2. This makes bamboo fiber superior to solid wood fibers, which can only resist tension up to 50 N/mm2. With proper construction methods and by applying the correct treatment process, bamboo should continue to be considered a viable option for sustainable construction in earthquake-prone areas where buildings must withstand strong ground motions.

Bamboo’s Flexibility

One of the main advantages of using bamboo as a sustainable construction material is its flexibility. A study shows that the results of the flexural bending test indicate that bamboo can revert to its original form after the load is removed. This makes it a suitable material for structural construction and can help prevent damage to buildings during natural disasters such as earthquakes and hurricanes. The resilience of bamboo was also demonstrated during the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck Ecuador on April 16, 2015. In an article published by the International Bamboo and Rattan Organization, approximately 7,000 buildings, including many concrete homes and schools were destroyed in the earthquake. However, many structures made of bamboo withstood the earthquake and remained standing. Bamboo’s flexibility and resilience can help reduce the impact of seismic activity on buildings, making it a sustainable and cost-effective solution for building structures.

Bamboo’s Durability

Bamboo is a durable alternative construction material. In a comparative analysis conducted, the strength-to-weight ratio of bamboo is greater than that of numerous conventional building materials, such as steel and concrete. This characteristic of bamboo makes it an ideal choice for construction that requires a lightweight material with exceptional strength.

Bamboo’s Potential as a Safe Construction Material in Earthquakes

Based on the above properties, bamboo shows a great potential as a safe and sustainable construction material in earthquake-prone areas. However, people must consider the proper selection of bamboo species, the quality of the bamboo, and appropriate construction techniques to ensure the safety and durability of the structure on seismic events. It is crucial to work with experts in bamboo construction and earthquake-resistant building design to ensure the safety and longevity of the structure.

Collaborating with organizations like Base, who deeply understand bamboo-based and alternative building technologies can help ensure that a structure is designed and constructed with resistance to natural disasters. By prioritizing safety and durability, it is possible to build sustainable housing that can withstand the test of time.

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!