10 Biggest Projects Using Bamboo: Flooring, Decking and Plywood

Bamboo has emerged as one of the most sustainable, versatile, and attractive building materials in the construction industry. Known for its durability, rapid renewability, and eco-friendly qualities, bamboo is increasingly being used for a wide range of projects worldwide, from residential homes to commercial spaces. Here, we explore 10 of the biggest and most impressive projects that have made use of bamboo plywood, decking, and flooring, showcasing the vast potential of this extraordinary material.

1. Shenzhen International Airport - Terminal 3, China

• Material Used: Bamboo Plywood
• Shenzhen's International Airport Terminal 3 is a stunning architectural feat that makes extensive use of bamboo plywood. Designed by Massimiliano and Doriana Fuksas, the terminal is an impressive 1.5 million square meters and one of the largest airport terminals globally. Bamboo plywood was chosen for its sustainability, lightweight properties, and the warm, natural aesthetic it provides.
• This project exemplifies how bamboo plywood can be used in high-traffic areas while maintaining structural integrity and visual appeal. The use of bamboo in such a large-scale commercial project reflects its potential for eco-friendly airport design.

2. The Green School, Bali, Indonesia

• Material Used: Bamboo Flooring and Decking
• The Green School in Bali is globally renowned for its commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly education. The entire school is constructed using bamboo, with bamboo flooring and decking playing a critical role in its design. The school's founder wanted to create a space that harmonizes with the natural environment, and bamboo was the perfect material to accomplish that vision.
• The use of bamboo not only reduces the carbon footprint but also creates an atmosphere conducive to learning in a sustainable world. The Green School is a beacon for how educational facilities can embrace bamboo as a primary building material.

3. El Nido Resorts, Philippines

• Material Used: Bamboo Decking
• El Nido Resorts, located in the Philippines, is a series of sustainable luxury accommodations that are designed to blend seamlessly with their natural surroundings. Bamboo decking is prominently used throughout the resort to create eco-friendly pathways and outdoor spaces that complement the pristine environment.
• Bamboo's natural resistance to moisture, coupled with its durability, made it a perfect choice for a resort that experiences tropical climates. The decking adds to the resort's charm, offering guests a unique experience of nature with minimal environmental impact.

4. The MET Office, Exeter, UK

• Material Used: Bamboo Flooring
• The MET Office's headquarters in Exeter, UK, stands as a testament to the versatility of bamboo in modern office buildings. The building, which houses over 1,000 employees, chose bamboo flooring for its natural aesthetic and eco-friendly properties.
• Bamboo's rapid regrowth rate and minimal environmental footprint made it an ideal choice for the MET Office, which is deeply involved in climate science and environmental research. The use of bamboo flooring aligns with their sustainability goals and creates a calm, natural workspace for employees.

5. Madrid Barajas Airport, Spain

• Material Used: Bamboo Plywood
• When the Terminal 4 building at Madrid Barajas International Airport was opened in 2006, it effectively doubled the aircraft and passenger capacity at Spain’s largest international airport. Now aircraft take off and land during the day at an average rate of one every 30 seconds. Terminal 4 ranks as one of the world’s largest airport terminals, measured in building area.. Bamboo plywood was utilized extensively to replace conventional wood, emphasizing both environmental responsibility and innovation. The use of bamboo in this replica is symbolic of how even historical architectural masterpieces can be adapted for contemporary sustainable practices.
• The pavilion uses bamboo for interior panels and structural elements, demonstrating how this material can enhance modernist designs with its sleek finish and sustainable credentials.

6. Cocoon Tower, Tokyo, Japan

• Material Used: Bamboo Flooring
• Cocoon Tower is a stunning skyscraper in the heart of Tokyo, home to educational institutions and boasting an innovative design. The tower uses bamboo flooring extensively, particularly in common areas and educational spaces, to enhance its eco-friendly image. Bamboo was chosen due to its sustainability and because it is naturally abundant in Japan and much of East Asia.
• The smooth, polished surface of bamboo flooring enhances the tower's futuristic yet natural design, contributing to both the aesthetics and the environmental performance of the building.

7. Panyaden International School, Thailand

• Material Used: Bamboo Decking and Flooring
• Panyaden International School in Thailand is a modern educational facility designed entirely with sustainability in mind. Bamboo is one of the primary building materials, with bamboo flooring used extensively in classrooms and bamboo decking for outdoor areas. The school's structure combines traditional Thai architecture with modern sustainable practices, showcasing the adaptability of bamboo.
• Incorporating bamboo into both flooring and decking helps the school reduce its environmental impact while offering students a tactile connection to nature as part of their daily education.

8. Great Bamboo Wall House, Beijing, China

• Material Used: Bamboo Plywood and Decking
• The Great Bamboo Wall House, located near the Great Wall of China, is a luxurious residence designed by Kengo Kuma that showcases bamboo's beauty and versatility. The house uses bamboo plywood for interior walls, furniture, and structural elements, along with bamboo decking for its outdoor spaces. The house is a seamless blend of traditional Chinese architecture and modern sustainable building practices.
• The bamboo elements in the house make it a tranquil, environmentally conscious dwelling that respects its natural surroundings while providing the utmost in luxury and comfort.

9. Singita Lodge, Kruger National Park, South Africa

• Material Used: Bamboo Decking
• Singita Lodge, a luxury eco-resort in Kruger National Park, is designed with sustainability and environmental conservation at its core. Bamboo decking is used throughout the property to create walkways, outdoor lounges, and terraces. This decking is designed to blend with the surrounding landscape and provide guests with a natural, eco-conscious experience.
• Bamboo's resistance to insects and ability to withstand harsh weather conditions made it a logical choice for this project, which emphasizes minimal environmental disruption in the heart of one of Africa's most famous wildlife reserves.

10. Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center, Taiwan

• Material Used: Bamboo Plywood
• The Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center is one of the largest exhibition spaces in Asia and has incorporated bamboo plywood into its construction as part of an effort to reduce its environmental impact. The center uses bamboo plywood in interior spaces and for exhibition platforms, offering a modern and sustainable touch to this major commercial venue.
• Bamboo's renewability and low carbon footprint make it a prime choice for large-scale projects like this, which aim to blend modernity with sustainability. This project shows that bamboo can be an integral part of even the most industrialized spaces.

These ten projects demonstrate the versatility and eco-friendly qualities of bamboo as a building material. Whether it's bamboo plywood, decking, or flooring, this renewable resource is making its mark on a global scale, from luxury resorts to skyscrapers and schools. The choice to incorporate bamboo in construction not only benefits the environment by reducing carbon footprints and deforestation but also adds natural beauty and durability to each project. As demand for sustainable construction continues to grow, bamboo is poised to become a cornerstone of eco-conscious design and architecture.