The importance of proper treatment and selection of reliable suppliers in the bamboo construction market
In the world of sustainable and low-carbon construction, for indoor and outdoor environments, bamboo is emerging as a rising star, known for its resistance, flexibility and low environmental impact. However, to ensure effectiveness and durability in biofic architecture that use bamboo, experts emphasize that it is not enough to know the species, and highlight the need for meticulous planning , with origin, harvesting the stalks at the recommended cutting age, transporting the poles and treating the bamboo.
A crucial point in planning is the moment of harvest, with the selection of culms. From the harvest of the culms, the sticks will be produced. Experts emphasize that the maturity of bamboo directly influences its quality. Bamboos harvested prematurely are more prone to infestation and damage, while those harvested at the right time offer greater durability and resistance.
For the president of the Brazilian Center for Innovation and Sustainability, Katiane Gouvêa, supplier certification is a fundamental step towards the professionalization of the sector. “The customer needs to have a guarantee for the bamboo they are purchasing, and now with technical standard for poles bamboo for structural use — harvesting, preservative treatment and classification by diameter we are progressing. According to the standard, the age of the bamboo must be between 4 and a maximum of 7 years, and the ideal is to control the age of the culms with markings or any other method that ensures their maturity”
The cutting of the culm must be done without shocks to avoid cracks, cracks or cracks. A chainsaw or other equivalent equipment can be used. Once the stalk has been harvested, branches and extreme parts must be removed. The thatch must be divided into sticks, with lengths of 3 meters and 6 meters being the most used.
The treatment of bamboo is a vital aspect for finishing and construction. "Bamboo, when treated properly, resists pests and the weather, significantly extending its useful life in buildings", explains Roberto Pereira, owner of Payacan Artes Bambu. With more than 30 years of experience in the bamboo market, selling throughout Brazil, Roberto Payacan - as he is better known - mentions that through processes such as immersion in borax or autoclave, bamboo is strengthened against external agents.
The choice of bamboo suppliers is also a critical element. Reliable suppliers guarantee not only the quality of the bamboo, but also respect for sustainable harvesting practices and the safety of the harvesting team. "We work with bamboo from sustainable sources and guarantee quality and treatment suitable for each piece, while we worry about training the team that will carry out the cuts, transport and treatment", says Roberto.
Natural and treated bamboo are available on the market. While natural bamboo may be attractive due to low value, and for smaller or temporary projects, treated bamboo is generally preferred in larger scale construction due to the durability guarantees offered by suppliers. “Treated bamboo is the ideal choice for builders looking for quality and longevity, as the treatment ensures the material’s resistance against bad weather and infestations,” adds Roberto. The supplier must inform the buyer of the products and preservation system used, in accordance with the technical standard.
For constructions with bamboo to reach their maximum potential, detailed planning is essential, which must be started with at least 30 days for cutting and preparing the bamboo. With these practices, bamboo not only presents itself as an ecological option, but also as a long-lasting and reliable solution for modern construction.
Payacam Bambus Arte
+55 11 98882-3545
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