Bamboo Gaining Traction as a Structural Material in Housing Design and Construction

Civil Engineer and Associate Professor Caori Patricia Takeuchi Tam advocates for the use of laminated bamboo (guadua) in residential design and construction due to its remarkable properties. Known for being sturdy, ductile, and environmentally friendly, bamboo is being recognized for its potential as an effective and renewable structural material in the construction industry. Since 2000, Takeuchi has been involved in bamboo projects and research, which delve into exploring the capabilities of laminated bamboo through testing specimens and developing prototype structures. Her projects, backed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, explore cost-effective ways to utilize bamboo, balancing affordability and premium finishes in housing. Although laminated bamboo can be more expensive due to extensive processing, its standardizable dimensions, quality, and strength make it marketable. Takeuchi urges responsible exploitation of bamboo resources and encourages entrepreneurs to recognize bamboo as a potential income source with significant environmental benefits.