Identifying and Treating Dark Spots on Guadua Bamboo Poles

Identifying and Treating Dark Spots on Guadua Bamboo Poles

Guadua bamboo is a type of bamboo species that is widely used for construction purposes due to its strength and durability. It is native to the tropical regions of South America and can grow up to 30 meters in height. The outer layer of guadua bamboo, known as the cuticle, is what is typically covered with a type of "freckles" or "spots" that have been causing lots of attention due to its fascinating look and feel. Basically the dark spots found on Guadua poles are not merely imperfections but rather unique features that add to the natural beauty and distinctiveness of Guadua. This distinctive feature has led to the marketing of guadua with dark spots as “Tiger Guadua” or “Tiger Bamboo” at premium prices, highlighting its exceptional quality!

Understanding Dark Spots on Guadua Bamboo

Dark spots on the outer layer of guadua bamboo poles are a common occurrence, but their exact cause is yet unknown. It is believed that these stains origin from lichens, a type of fungi that grows in humid environments and becomes visible on the bamboo more or less in year 3 or 4 . What we are certain is that these stains do not affect the overall strength or shape of the bamboo, but they may pose aesthetic challenges for commercial use.

Causes of Dark Spots

The exact causes for dark spots on guadua bamboo poles are yet unknown and still a subject of debate. Factors such as temperature where bamboo grows, humidity, and the natural aging process of bamboo may contribute to the development of these spots. However, more research is needed to determine the precise conditions under which these stains appear. The only certainty we have is that these spots tend to appear on bamboo that is at the optimal stage for harvesting, indicating the perfect timing to bring the bamboo to our treatment plant!

The Best Bamboo Guadua Forest

Effect of Dark Spots on Guadua Bamboo

Dark spots on guadua bamboo do not affect the structural integrity of the material. They are purely cosmetic and do not impact the overall performance or lifespan of the bamboo poles. Therefore, while these spots can be challenging for certain applications, they do not pose any problems for the practical use of guadua bamboo in construction projects.

Identifying Dark Spots on Guadua Bamboo Poles

Visual Inspection

When visually inspecting the guadua bamboo poles, pay attention to any discoloration or staining on the surface. Dark spots appear as patches or specks on the outer layer of the poles. These spots can vary in size and shape, and they may be more concentrated in certain areas. 

The Best Bamboo - Spotted Guadua

Touch and Feel

In addition to visual inspection, it is also helpful to touch and feel the surface of the bamboo poles to identify any dark spots. Run your hands along the length of the poles and pay attention to any areas that feel rough or uneven. Dark spots could cause a slight texture difference in the affected areas, which can be detected by touch. This tactile inspection can help confirm the presence of dark spots on the bamboo poles.

Treating Dark Spots on Guadua Bamboo

While dark spots on guadua bamboo do not affect the structural integrity of the material, they may be unfavorable for certain business uses. Fortunately, there are ways to treat and minimize the appearance of these spots.

Sanded and Stained Spotted Guadua

Remedial Measures

If dark spots do appear on the guadua bamboo poles, there are remedial measures that can be taken to minimize their appearance. One approach is to sand down the affected areas to create a more consistent look. Another method is to apply a protective coating or stain to the poles to mask the dark spots. These measures can help improve the overall aesthetic of the guadua bamboo poles.

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Bonus: info on Guadua!

Firstly a great fact: Guadua is not a tree, its a grass that outperforms any wood! Also there are over 1800 types of bamboo, each with its own unique characteristics. Without any doubt, Guadua bamboo is often a popular choice for construction due to its strength and durability. Other bamboo species have different properties, such as size, shape, and growth patterns. Understanding the differences between these species can help determine the most suitable bamboo for specific projects.

Guadua Bamboo vs Other Species

Compared to other bamboo species, guadua bamboo stands out for its exceptional structural integrity and resistance to pests and diseases. It grows up to 30 meters in height and has a thick outer layer, known as the wall, its culm provides excellent support for construction purposes. Additionally, guadua bamboo is known for its fast growth rate, making it a sustainable choice for building materials.

Commercial Uses of Guadua Bamboo

Guadua bamboo has a wide range of commercial applications due to its strength, durability, and versatility. It can be used in various construction projects, such as building structures, scaffolding, furniture, flooring, and decorative elements. Additionally, guadua bamboo is used in the manufacturing of musical instruments, handicrafts, and even as a renewable source of energy.

Possible Applications

The possibilities for using Guadua bamboo in commercial projects are virtually endless. Its strength and flexibility make it suitable for load-bearing structures, such as beams, columns, and trusses. It can also be used for wall cladding, roofing, and floorings. Furthermore, guadua bamboo's natural beauty and unique grain pattern make it an attractive material for furniture, crafts, and artistic installations.

Growing Guadua Bamboo

Guadua bamboo thrives in tropical climates, preferring temperatures between 20 to 30 degrees Celsius. It requires well-drained soil with adequate moisture and a high humidity level. Proper cultivation techniques and maintenance are essential to ensure optimal growth and maximum yield of quality bamboo poles.

Climate Requirements

Guadua bamboo is native to tropical regions and is best suited for areas with a consistent warm climate. It requires ample sunlight and regular rainfall or irrigation to maintain optimal growth. Extreme temperatures or prolonged droughts can negatively impact the development of guadua bamboo, affecting its strength and overall quality.

Cultivation Techniques

The cultivation of guadua bamboo involves several techniques to ensure its healthy growth and productivity. This includes proper soil preparation, including adequate drainage and nutrient enrichment. Planting methods such as direct planting or transplantation of seedlings play a crucial role in establishing a robust bamboo plantation. Regular maintenance, such as pruning and weed control, is also important to maintain the health and productivity of the bamboo.

Bamboo Temple Hotel / Architecture and Design by Arquitectura Mixta

Bamboo Temple Hotel / Arquitectura Mixta

For several years, The Best Bamboo has maintained a strong and close business partnership with Arquitectura Mixta. Our blog consistently celebrates noteworthy news in bamboo construction, architecture, and design. Recently, the CEO and a dear friend shared a link to vote for their latest project as the Building of the Year 2023. We hope you enjoy the insights shared in this post and, if impressed, consider casting a positive vote for our friends' stunning creation!

Location: ISLA MUJERES, MEXICO

• Architects: Studio Arquitectura Mixta

• Construction Area: 593 m² 

  Construction Area: 6,383 ft ²

• Year: 2023

• Photographs: Pacha Mother / Adrian Hernandez

• Manufacturers:  ETFE Films, Galápagos, Grasshopper, Ladybug, Parakeet, Python C, Rhinoceros 3D

Architects from Arquitectura Mixta drew inspiration from the distinctive natural and geographical surroundings of the "Impression Isla Mujeres By Secrets" hotel for their unique &  innovative structures. Situated at the southern tip region of Isla Mujeres, Mexico, near the Garrafon Natural Reef Park, the hotel provides breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea on both sides, offering a rare opportunity to witness sunsets over the sea in Mexico.

Crafted by Arquitectura Mixta, the four Bamboo structures at the hotel beautifully capture the lively hues of the Mexican Caribbean and its abundant life. Besides their tropical shapes and sizes, the structural bamboo develops and inspires a meaningful dialogue, forming a cohesive concept and a unified family through their flowing roofs, transparent elements, fabrics, and the interplay of light and wind.

Arquitectura Mixta's intervention in the hotel encompasses four purpose-driven buildings. On the hotel rooftop, the "Ola" mirrors the biggest ocean waves, housing a DJ booth with bamboo columns resembling coral formations. At ground base level, adjacent to the main pool, the "Wet Bar" and the central "Templo" stand. The Templo will always amaze visitors and draws inspiration from the Mexican Sea Slug (cyphoma gibbosum), found in the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico.

Interpreting the sea slug's undulating shapes and intricate patterns, Arquitectura Mixta designed an impressive bamboo slat structure with 12-meter high catenary arches. These arches support bamboo fabric layers that conceal a bamboo mobile system generating harmonious sounds as it sways in the wind. The structures, researched and designed in a Bio-Parametric style, employed complex computational processes and specific algorithms, such as Python programming language commonly used in software and web development.

This groundbreaking application of technology involves Python to model mathematical curves simulating sea waves in the roof undulations. Environmental analysis algorithms were then utilized to adapt the structures' shapes and efficiency to rain and solar radiation, ensuring comfort and performance in various climatic conditions. The architects used Galapagos, a tool utilizing genetic optimization algorithms, to optimize the structures' design and identify the most efficient support points. While these processes and technologies are commonly employed by architects working with conventional materials like concrete and metal, this project marks the pioneering use of such technologies in the field of bioconstruction worldwide.

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Interesting Facts of Bamboo Poles

Dive Deeper into the Fascinating world of Sustainable Bamboo Poles!

The Best Bamboo - Managed Guadua Forest

In the heart of Central and South America, the tropical bamboo species Guadua Angustifolia Kunth, known simply as Guadua, reigns supreme, distinguishing itself from its Asian counterparts such as Moso bamboo. This ubiquitous and invaluable construction material has become a cornerstone in various mainstream applications throughout Colombia, celebrated for its remarkable attributes in terms of length, width diameter, and durability.

What sets Guadua apart is not just its physical characteristics but also its exceptional eco-friendly qualities. Renowned for its rapid rate of biomass production, Guadua stands as an exemplar of sustainability, contributing significantly to carbon dioxide sequestration. Its renewable nature aligns seamlessly with environmentally conscious construction practices, making it a favorite among architects and builders committed to green initiatives.

One of the pivotal moments in Guadua's recognition came in 1999 when a seismic event, a 6.2 magnitude earthquake, rocked Colombia. The resilience demonstrated by structures constructed using Guadua captured attention, prompting the Colombian building code to standardize Guadua as seismic-resistant. Buildings crafted from Guadua not only withstood the tremors but emerged largely unscathed, solidifying its status as a reliable and durable construction material.

Since this seismic milestone, research interest in Guadua has soared, with scholars and industry professionals alike delving into its properties, applications, and potential advancements. The enduring appeal of Guadua lies not only in its structural integrity but also in its role as a sustainable solution in the face of environmental challenges.

For those eager to delve into the nuances between Guadua and Moso bamboo, a more in-depth exploration awaits you. Simply follow this link to unravel the distinct characteristics that set these two bamboo varieties apart. As we continue to unravel the secrets of this versatile material, the world of bamboo poles unfolds as a captivating journey, blending tradition, innovation, and sustainability.

BAMBOO POLE TIPS: What can I create and start designing with them?

Anyone who spends a few minutes online researching bamboo poles will usually find out that, "anything can be done with bamboo!"  We love when people say this, although we have to let you all know we do need a little imagination to be able to make what we envision. Now, back again to the statement "anything can be done with bamboo",  while it is mostly true, 'anything' isn't a product - poles as stand-alone items add wonderful accents to any home, bamboo can be custom cut and stained to order to compliment any decor… possibilities are endless, but we need to learn how to transform this wonderful golden grass into something else!

Bamboo Privacy Screen

Bamboo's versatility extends beyond the confines of traditional poles. By exploring the art of splitting bamboo, and with the availability of bamboo slats, an entire realm of creative interior designs unfolds. Imagine the privacy fences, bamboo screens, bamboo panels, wall panels, and bamboo ceilings that can be crafted from these sustainable materials. The potential for unique, eco-friendly home enhancements is limited only by one's imagination.

Our commitment goes beyond providing bamboo products; we strive to empower individuals to envision and realize their own bamboo-inspired masterpieces. The journey begins with learning the techniques and possibilities inherent in working with bamboo. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or a professional designer, the world of bamboo beckons, offering a canvas where innovation, sustainability, and beauty converge. Join us on this exciting adventure where bamboo transcends its conventional role, becoming a medium for boundless creativity and transformative design.

KEY WHEN CHOOSING THE RIGHT POLE

Stained Guadua Bamboo by The Best Bamboo

When it comes to color preferences, the natural allure of bamboo tends to captivate the majority. American Henon boasts a subtle olive green silver hue, while Guadua showcases a stunning golden brown tone. The selection of the right bamboo species becomes a matter of personal taste, much like the decision to stain or flame-treat it. Enclosed are some captivating images of beautifully stained Guadua, specifically curated for a valued customer in the US.

When you make the lifetime choice to purchase bamboo poles, It is crucial to confirm that your supplier holds all the required permits and complies with appropriate harvesting regulations. For both your assurance and the consistency of materials, it is preferable if your supplier can ensure the origin of the bamboo and refrains from purchasing from informal "guadueros" who may neglect forest sustainability and cannot guarantee the legality of the materials. At The Best Bamboo, we provide this assurance by harvesting from our own plantations.

Bamboo, although remarkably versatile, requires careful handling and timing during harvesting. The precision of the cut is paramount, considering that the outer wall of young bamboo is delicately thin, gradually thickening as it matures. By the time bamboo poles reach the optimum age of 5 years, they boast remarkable thickness, rendering them ideal for landscaping and as lumber. Remarkably, the finest bamboo poles can even be transformed into flooring that surpasses oak in strength.

To understand your bamboo, a simple technique involves turning it on its side. Properly harvested bamboo of most species should exhibit a thick outer wall at the base, tapering gradually towards the top. Given that the end of the pole is susceptible to cracking, it's crucial to observe whether the pole's end features an intact node or not. This discernment ensures that you acquire bamboo poles at their best, guaranteeing both durability and aesthetic appeal.

MAINTENANCE

Our top-tier bamboo poles, known for their superior quality, boast an impressive feature – they require minimal maintenance. Our drying process leaves them with a moisture level of approximately +/- 20% (Please read note below), making them highly resistant to the detrimental effects of temperature and humidity changes. This inherent resilience ensures that the poles are less prone to warping or cracking, offering enduring stability.

To preserve the pristine condition of your bamboo poles, a straightforward cleaning routine suffices. A gentle wash with soap and water effectively removes surface dirt and debris. For those seeking enhanced care, we recommend using a mixture of warm water and white vinegar, a natural disinfectant that leaves your bamboo poles looking refreshed. To further promote their longevity and natural luster, applying linseed oil is an excellent practice. This not only nourishes the bamboo but also adds a protective layer, maintaining their health and aesthetic appeal over time.

Likewise, our stained and fire-treated bamboo poles are designed with minimal maintenance in mind. The colors of properly stained poles are crafted to resist fading over time, ensuring a lasting vibrancy in your chosen hue. While these poles are engineered for durability, it's essential to acknowledge that, like any organic product, some fading may occur gradually, particularly when exposed to direct sunlight.

Essential and exclusive information that distinguishes us, providing key facts of utmost importance that are typically undisclosed by other companies:

• Airdrying a Guadua Bamboo Pole in Colombia to achieve a moisture level of less than 20% will be challenging due to the prevalent high relative humidity in the region where Guadua grows. The environmental conditions, characterized by elevated levels of atmospheric moisture, create an environment where bamboo poles have a natural tendency to retain more water content.

• In areas with high humidity, the surrounding air already contains a considerable amount of moisture. When Guadua Bamboo poles are exposed to such humid conditions during the drying process, the rate at which they release moisture is slowed down. The moisture content within the bamboo interacts with the humid air, causing a slower evaporation rate. As a result, achieving a moisture level of less than 20% through airdrying becomes more difficult.

• High humidity not only slows down the drying process but also increases the risk of the bamboo poles absorbing moisture from the atmosphere. This can lead to a situation where the poles might stabilize at a moisture level higher than the desired 20%, making it challenging to meet the specified moisture content standards for certain applications.

• In the natural aging process, Bamboo Poles may develop cracks over time. Rest assured, we uphold stringent quality standards when selecting the finest Grade Bamboo Poles for your order, ensuring unmatched quality. While we exercise utmost care in handling and shipping, we cannot guarantee absolute freedom from cracks post-purchase. Opting for split poles, bamboo slats, or those with thicker walls is advisable, as they exhibit increased resilience against cracking. It's important to recognize that cracking is a normal occurrence following the natural aging process after bamboo harvesting. Your satisfaction remains our priority, and our commitment is unwavering in delivering Grade Bamboo that meets the highest quality standards, alleviating any concerns about structural reliability.

UNLOCK THE POSSIBILITIES BY FILLING OUT THE FORM BELOW. OUR DEDICATED BEST BAMBOO TEAM IS COMMITTED TO PROVIDING YOU WITH A CUSTOMIZED QUOTE THAT SUITS YOUR REQUIREMENTS. EXPECT A PROMPT RESPONSE WITHIN 24 HOURS!

Solid Bamboo Flooring: A versatile and green alternative to hardwood flooring

The Best Bamboo® - bamboo flooring: A versatile and green alternative to hardwood flooring

Interested in installing versatile, eco-friendly, and durable hardwood flooring for bedrooms, hallways, or even commercial spaces? Now, in addition to bamboo poles, bamboo lumber, bamboo planks, bamboo strips, and fencing, we at The Best Bamboo® have a wide variety of solid bamboo flooring to meet all your needs!

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The Best Bamboo Residential Flooring

Bamboo is increasingly used as a construction and design material due to its versatility, duration, and environmentally friendly nature. It is commonly seen in outdoor spaces, but with our new solid bamboo flooring, you can enjoy a distinct alternative that offers the perfect balance between durability and aesthetic.

NEW! Vertical Bamboo Flooring

Made of a unique tropical running species of bamboo found in Colombia, solid vertical bamboo flooring is made from bamboo strips (bamboo splits) compressed together with export grade approved adhesives to form extremely strong bamboo planks – even harder than Oak – which can be installed floating over or fixed to a previously prepared subfloor, being compatible with under-floor heating.

A very dimensionally stable option, vertical bamboo flooring can be installed in rooms and spaces with fluctuating humidity and temperature because the floor expands and contracts to withstand climate changes. Rooms, hallways, living rooms, and even kitchens and commercial high-traffic areas can look more sophisticated thanks to the wide varieties of styles, colors, and finishes offered by our bamboo flooring, not to mention that this type of floor is easy to clean and maintain, and a highly hygienic and outstanding option to prevent allergies: being a grass, bamboo performs somewhat better than woods in repelling moisture and mold growth.

Keep in mind that wet spaces, like bathrooms are not ideal environments for bamboo flooring, because although water-resistant, it is not a waterproof material. For cleaning, just use dust mops, brooms, or well wrung-out mops with flooring cleaning agents – avoid wet mops!

All of these features make bamboo hardwood flooring environmentally friendlier, less expensive, and more durable than hardware flooring: if appropriately maintained, your solid bamboo flooring can last up to 30 years!

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO GET MORE INFORMATION ON HOW TO PURCHASE OUR SOLID BAMBOO FLOORING, PLEASE FILL OUT THE FORM BELLOW AND A BEST BAMBOO REPRESENTATIVE WILL CONTACT YOU AS SOON AS POSSIBLE

World Bamboo Organization Video

World Bamboo Organization

Had a magnificent message from one of our supporters attaching this incredible video for the Bamboo Day with a very strong and heart touching message.

Hope you enjoy it as much as I did…

It is estimated that there are more than two billion hectares - that is nearly 5 billion acres - of deforested and degraded land around the world. We've heard about planting trees, yes, but it is time to plant bamboo. Bamboo is resilient & adaptable - with immense biodiversity. Bamboo can restore degraded land, mitigate climate change and alleviate poverty. It is time to plant bamboo.

#thebestbamboo #PlantBamboo #BambooisGrowing #UNSDGs #KewDeclaration #UNGlobalCompact #landrestoration #degradedland #climatemitigation #alternativetimber #alleviatepoverty #carboncapture #agroforestry #KeepBambooStrong #bamboo

Are Green Buildings less expensive than traditional buildings?

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Proyecto Guardianes Playa del Carmen - Diseño y construcción by Arquitectura Mixta

Are Green Buildings less expensive than traditional buildings?

The growing positioning of green buildings and sustainable architecture is one of the results of the energy crisis and climate change. Experts and construction groups are often debating which method is cheaper between constructions made with natural materials like Bamboo or those with traditional materials such as cement. At The Best Bamboo, we will address this question.

Talking about construction using ecological materials implicitly addresses green building. This method includes several environmental and social requirements for the future of construction and it will set the path in the coming years (The Sustainabilist).

Why is the world speaking about Green Buildings?

As mentioned before, one of the challenges that society is now facing due to the current situation is environmental care analyzed from different perspectives, including construction. It is estimated that in the next decades, constructions similar to the size of New York City will be built every day. And, given that the urban population is currently producing 40% of the global carbon footprint, infrastructure solutions are increasingly evident and urgent (Redshift).

In response to the climate damage caused by the traditional construction methods and materials, the industry is progressively requiring the inclusion of green construction and sustainable architecture elements.

The Arc at Green School by IBUKU

Benefits of Green Buildings

Green building’s main objective is to reduce the environmental impact of traditional construction methods and materials. The following are some of its benefits:

Proyecto Kaybe Tulum - Diseño y construcción by Arquitectura Mixta

• Greenhouse emission reduction

When choosing materials for Green Building, experts consider their carbon footprint, and, therefore, natural materials like Bamboo are preferred (NCBI). Bamboo is a versatile material that can be used in different ways, including bamboo poles, bamboo splits / bamboo

slats, planks, and other structural elements. Also, it absorbs 5 to 10 times more CO2 than other types of wood. (The Third Pole)

Read: The focus of the future will be green buildings.

• Versatility in sizes and spaces

Green Building projects can be done regardless of their size thanks to the versatility of the materials used (i.e., soil, stones, or wood such as bamboo poles ).

• Resources optimization

Contrary to traditional construction, Green Building considers resources optimization from different fronts, including designs based on the cutting-edge energy management systems, reuse and optimization of water consumption during construction and subsequent use of the space, and higher savings in investment and maintenance of buildings (The Sustainabilist).

• Lower costs

Green Building projects require lower investments; savings are mainly reported in the use of natural materials, smart energy and water consumption during project execution, and lower use of heavy machinery. Also, energy efficiency drives a reduced consumption of energy resources in the maintenance and use stages.

The ideal product for Green Building

Materials used for green constructions can have a significant impact on environmental preservation and provide savings for construction projects. These include stones, soil, adobe, cob, and wood, as the leading input.

Wood is recyclable and CO2 neutral. Construction systems worldwide have traditionally used wood as the main material, and among the different types of wood used in construction, Bamboo stands out.

Bamboo lumber can turn into columns, planks, panels, and other structural elements giving a unique appearance to each project. This is a versatile and easy and fast-growing material that can be shaped to the weather conditions of almost any location and helps the environment thanks to its CO2 absorption.

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Laminated Bamboo Lumber by The Best Bamboo

If you are thinking of a project that requires the use of Bamboo, The Best Bamboo has different product lines that fit your needs.

Contact us for more info!

Bamboo Fiber - Bamboo Pipes

Navigating through my LinkedIn today found a post from a person I admire: Hans Friederich, Director- General of the International Network for Bamboo and Rattan (INBAR)

I have been working for some years exploring the uses for bamboo fibers and with GRASSBuilt, great advances were done in America. As a true believer of added values I wanted to show you parts of the article that are extremely interesting. At the end you will find a direct link if you would like to read the full content.

Source: makingitmagazine.net

Good business: Opening the bamboo curtain

9 January 2018

Profile of Xinzhou Bamboo, a company using innovative bamboo winding technology to produce low-carbon, long-lasting and cheaper piping

Bamboo is one of the fastest growing and most powerful plants in the world. According to Hans Friederich, Director- General of the International Network for Bamboo and Rattan (INBAR), “Bamboo has thousands of uses – from paper and packaging to furniture and flooring – and we are discovering new applications every year. We have even heard of bamboo being used for wind turbine blades! People are always surprised at the products bamboo can make. This is because of the plant’s amazing properties: it is flexible but also very resilient, and as a member of the grass family, reaches maturity far quicker than most types of tree.”

Bamboo pipes

YE Ling put the two together. With decades of experience in research and development of composite pressure pipe and containers behind him, in 2006 Ye pioneered wound bamboo composite pipeline technology. In the following year, he established a research and development team to test the feasibility of the concept. Today, Ye is director of the Engineering Research Centre for Bamboo Winding Composites (ERCBWC), part of the State Forestry Administration, and is chairman of the board of Zhejiang Xinzhou Bamboo-based Composites Technology Co., Ltd. (Xinzhou Bamboo).

The company uses bamboo as reinforced materials, processing the thin-walled and hollow bamboo into a continuous strip of sheet material. Bamboo winding pipe has the advantage of high-compression strength, doesn’t corrode and has outstanding electricity and thermal insulation performance. It can replace most welded steel pipe, polyethylene pipe, pre-stressed steel tube concrete pipe and other traditional pipes in the market, and can be widely applied to municipal water supply and drainage pipe networks, irrigation and other water transport areas. It has the potential to significantly reduce the use of plastic, steel and cement.

Unlike plastic, steel, cement and other traditional pipe materials, the wound bamboo composite pipes are environmentally friendly. Bamboo is a sustainable, low-carbon resource. As Ye proudly says, “Replacing traditional pipelines with wound bamboo composite pipelines means replacing high-polluting, high-energy-consuming, non-renewable materials with renewable resources,” adding that it also means saving money. Even conservative estimates suggest that they can reduce costs by 20%.

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Bamboo Social Housing

Hi to all! Wanting to share a beautiful social housing project by Lucila Aguilar Arquitectos and with the consultancy of a good friend Jorg Stamm - worldwide renowned bamboo expert!

Please like and share if you appreciate good, honest, and affordable bamboo construction.

Architectural project: GROW YOUR HOUSE

Design: Lucila Aguilar Arquitectos

Website: www.lucilaaguilar.com

Advice: Jorg Stamm, construction expert with bamboo.

Structural calculation: BCI Structural.

Built area: 127 m2

Location: Tuzantán, Chiapas

Photographs: Lucila Aguilar

Year: 2017

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Background:

The project began as a social housing proposal that Uumbal manages for its field workers. Uumbal is an agro-forestry company with 15,000 hectares of pine and palm plantations in southeastern Mexico -Chiapas, Veracruz, Tabasco and Campeche.

An investigation was made about their current housing situation, needs, customs and challenges to be solved. It was proposed to propose solutions that promote well-being, generate technology transfer, support the local economy and provide viable solutions for a better quality of life. A "Consultative Council" is created, a multidisciplinary group that provides guidance, ideas, and experience to enrich the project. Among the participants are Jorge Esteve, of AMSA; Arch. Juan Pablo Serrano, who actively collaborates in the design; Luis Atias, of COPRI; Enrique Lomnitz and Delfin Milton from Isla Urbana; Arq Raúl de Villafranca, and Lorena Vazquez Ordaz, of The Hunger Project.

The Book: BOOMING BAMBOO is OUT NOW!

You can weave it, laminateit, spin it into fabric, even3D print it. Bamboo is one of the most versatile materials in the world, yet it is still relatively unknown in world of design. The first book of its kind, Booming Bamboo, written by Dr Pablo van der Lugt and published by Materia, explores the most innovative applications for this material, in architecture and design, but also in a multitude of other modern uses.

Bamboo can be used in nearly all (creative) industries: in construction, (interior) architecture, mobility, products, sports, fashion, packaging, and many more. With climate change and resource scarcity looming over our heads, bamboo is a super versatile material that can help us create a more sustainable and circular society using biobased materials.

Abundantly illustrated, Booming Bamboo provides a comprehensive overview of the enormous potential of bamboo. It starts by introducing the hard facts regarding global problems that we are facing, such as resource scarcity and climate change. The first part of the book introduces bamboo as a fast-growing, sustainable and renewable resource and explains how bamboo can play a vital role in climate change mitigation as well as in restoring ecosystems through reforestation. The second part of the book presents the various ways in which bamboo can be transformed into many different, exciting materials and fabrics. The book concludes by showcasing the most magnificent, innovative and inspiring bamboo products and projects that have been developed to date, examples of which you can see on the photos above (click on the photos for more information).

About the author
Pablo van der Lugt devoted both his Master and his PhD research at Technical University Delft to bamboo and bamboo materials, and currently active as Sustainability expert in the wood- and bamboo industry. With Booming Bamboo, he shows that in the essential transition towards a more circular economy, there are tremendous opportunities for bamboo.

About the publisher
Booming Bamboo is published by Materia, with the support of INBAR(International Network for Bamboo and Rattan), and MOSO International, a pioneer in innovative bamboo solutions for indoors and outdoors. They work together to promote the use of bamboo worldwide. Both organizations also celebrate their 20th anniversary this year.

For more about the book and how to buy it, click here.

An ocean full of plastic!

Hace menos de un mes, investigadores de la organización 5 Gyres Institute presentaron las cifras de una investigación que estaban realizando desde 2007.

La conclusión fue que en total podía haber unas 270.000 toneladas flotando en los mares del mundo. Es decir, una cantidad tan grande como para llenar 10.000 camiones.

Pero pese a lo asombroso de esas cifras, algunos ambientalistas habían insistido en que esos datos apenas pueden llegar a ser un representación de lo que verdaderamente hay en el océano, pues tan sólo se registró lo que aparecía flotando en la superficie. Ahora, una investigación dirigida por la universidad de Plymouth y publicada por la Royal Society Open Science parece darles la razón.

Según este estudio, buena parte de la huella contaminante del ser humano está en las partes más profundas y remotas del agua, donde habría alrededor de 4.000 millones de fibras microscópicas de plástico por cada kilómetro cuadrado, o sea, una cifra cuatro veces mayor de lo que puede encontrarse en las aguas costeras.

La razón por la que esas diminutas partículas no son visibles en las imágenes que se han tomado es que el plástico se ha ido desintegrando poco a poco en pequeñas fibras microscópicas que han ido a parar a los fondos marinos del mundo. Allí se pueden encontrar desde 1,4 hasta 40 muestras de entre dos y tres milímetros de longitud por cada 50 milímetros de sedimentos.

Eso sólo sugiere que el hábitat marino está padeciendo un mal mucho mayor del que se pensaba. Y además, como había dicho en diciembre Marcus Eriksen, director de investigación de 5 Gyres, tratar de contener semejante problema es un asunto que requiere de un esfuerzo que no todos los países están dispuestos a hacer. El actual modelo para gestionar los materiales plásticos, dijo aquella vez, es ecológicamente insostenible.

Fuente: http://www.elespectador.com/noticias/medio-ambiente/un-oceano-repleto-de-plastico-articulo-535968