As part of our Advent calendar series highlighting sustainable materials, we focus on bamboo—a renewable, resilient, and adaptable material that has become a compelling alternative to conventional wood. BambooTouch®, a brand created by a team of wood and nature enthusiasts, exemplifies bamboo’s potential to address modern environmental challenges. In an era of rapid deforestation and dwindling wood resources, bamboo offers a naturally regenerative solution for indoor and outdoor applications.
We recently visited the Baeck project by Arqeh, where bamboo is used on-site. The architecture office has developed a fully bamboo-based facade in collaboration with Jonathan, Claudy, and Philippe, who welcomed questions and discussions about experimental bamboo designs. Bamboo’s flexibility allows it to take on these challenges, supporting creative and architectural visions without compromise.
Why Bamboo? A Response to Resource Depletion
Traditional woods used in construction, particularly in outdoor settings, are becoming increasingly scarce. Ipé wood, one of the most popular choices for decking, is on the brink of extinction, with growth cycles exceeding a century and forests struggling to meet demand. This unsustainable exploitation of hardwood resources contributes to deforestation, driving the need for alternative materials. BambooTouch® has emerged from this context with a mission to replace traditional wood with bamboo wherever possible.
In contrast to slower-growing hardwoods, bamboo is a grass species with rapid growth cycles and a carbon-sequestration capacity that far exceeds many trees. Known as moso bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens), this giant species can grow up to 30 meters in height within five to six years, reaching maturity far sooner than trees like oak, which take several decades to reach similar sizes. This accelerated cycle means bamboo can be harvested sustainably, providing a continuous source of material without the need for replanting.
Environmental Benefits: Carbon Sequestration and Soil Conservation
Bamboo’s most remarkable feature is its ability to absorb carbon dioxide efficiently. Moso bamboo captures up to 30% more CO₂ than broadleaf trees, translating to approximately 12 tonnes of CO₂ per hectare annually. This high sequestration rate supports efforts to combat the greenhouse effect and mitigate climate change. Additionally, as a species that does not require replanting after harvesting, bamboo helps to maintain soil structure and prevent erosion, adding ecological value to its cultivation.
Bamboo’s use as a replacement for hardwood also addresses deforestation’s impact on biodiversity and atmospheric CO₂ levels. With approximately 50,000 square kilometres of forest lost annually, deforestation is a significant driver of global carbon emissions, accounting for roughly 20% of human-caused CO₂ emissions. As a rapidly renewable resource, bamboo offers a sustainable material alternative that helps to alleviate pressures on global forests.
BambooTouch®: Extending Bamboo’s Applications
BambooTouch® has worked for over 15 years to expand bamboo’s applications in residential and commercial markets, positioning it as a suitable choice for everything from flooring to furniture to outdoor decking. Their commitment to quality ensures that bamboo can effectively compete with traditional materials, offering durability, aesthetics, and price competitiveness. Moso bamboo, for instance, boasts strength and stability comparable to construction-grade timber. It outperforms wood and even steel in some respects for elasticity and hardness, earning it the nickname “green steel” in Asia.
The unique physical characteristics of bamboo mean that it not only holds up to heavy use but does so without compromising on style. Whether used for decking, bathroom walls, or architectural features, bamboo provides a natural, refined look that rivals traditional wood finishes. For those exploring sustainable options in design, bamboo’s durability and aesthetic appeal make it a compelling material to consider.
Bamboo in Practice: Site Visits and Applications
During our recent site visit to the Baeck project, we observed bamboo’s integration into a modern architectural setting, where its versatility allowed for creative and experimental uses. The BambooTouch® team — Jonathan, Claudy, and Philippe — demonstrated their expertise and adaptability, welcoming discussions around more unconventional applications. This adaptability highlights bamboo’s potential for experimental and innovative architectural designs, encouraging architects and designers to consider it for diverse applications beyond typical wood uses.
The team’s hands-on approach and openness to design challenges highlight bamboo’s possibilities. This is especially true as architects increasingly seek materials that align with sustainable construction goals. With the proper guidance and technical support, bamboo can enhance a project’s functionality and aesthetic.
An Alternative for a Sustainable Future
The potential of bamboo in construction extends beyond its aesthetic and physical properties; it represents a shift in materials thinking as the industry seeks alternatives to non-renewable resources. While bamboo may not replace wood in every context, its strategic use in place of high-impact woods like Ipé can make a meaningful difference in sustainability initiatives. For architects, designers, and builders committed to reducing their environmental footprint, bamboo offers an alternative that respects ecological limits and enhances project resilience.
Through brands like BambooTouch®, the building sector gains access to a material that harmonises ecological responsibility with high performance. We encourage those interested to explore bamboo’s capabilities and see firsthand how this “green steel” can enrich sustainable construction practices.