The Raw Material

A member of the grass family, Bamboo is an incredibly versatile material known both for its strength and natural beauty. It grows at a rate of 13 cm a day (6 inches) and in six months will measure more than 10 metres (30 feet), reaching maturity within 3 years, although the fastest recorded growth to date is a staggering 47.6 inches in a 24-hour period.

Found in most of the worlds’ temperate and tropical regions, there are approximately 600 botanical species throughout the globe. Bamboo has a wealth of properties, making it ideal for a multitude of applications including construction, medicine, furniture, food, boats and even musical instruments. One book of resources lists over 5000 uses!

The main component, the stalk, is composed of cellulose fibres and the resulting mechanical resistance is far superior to steel.

It’s light, supple, very flexible, rustproof, waterproof and doesn’t even rot.

If there was such a thing as the perfect, natural material, the accolade would undoubtedly be awarded to bamboo.