Bamboo in a temperate climate: what potential for integration and application(s) in sustainable, low-carbon, and circular architecture?

The building sector has substantial impacts on the environment, largely due to the intensive use
of concrete, cement, and steel, which contributes to the depletion of natural resources and to
greenhouse gas emissions. It is therefore crucial for the construction industry to adopt
sustainable and circular practices, with a focus on using bio-based materials as environmentally
friendly alternatives with our forests, territories, and resources already affected by climate change
and growing global demand for wood products, there is an urgent need to explore the integration
of alternative plant species, such as bamboo, which can promote biodiversity and strengthen
ecosystem resilience.
Preliminary findings from the master’s thesis indicate that certain bamboo species can adapt to
temperate climates and be used in construction. Despite its widespread use in South America,
Africa, and Asia, bamboo remains largely underutilized in the European construction sector. This
is due to a lack of data on its mechanical and physical properties, limited expertise, and the
absence of regulatory frameworks.
Building on these initial findings, this doctoral research aims to demonstrate the feasibility of
integrating bamboo species in the Walloon region, and by extension, in other temperate climates.
It will emphasize bamboo's potential for sustainable, low-carbon architecture, particularly in
structural, insulation, and finishing applications. The research focuses on three aspects: (1)
identifying bamboo species suitable for the Walloon territory, (2) analyzing the mechanical and
physical properties of various parts of the plant, and (3) investigating its potential architectural
applications.
This contribution will first summarize the findings of the master’s thesis, then outline the research
objectives and methodology, and finally present the preliminary results, highlighting the bamboo
species adapted to the Walloon region and potential areas for development.