I have always been fascinated by the immense potential that nature holds. At Shah Hemp, this fascination has guided our experimentation and innovations, particularly when it comes to sustainable construction. Our journey with bamboo began back in 2016 when we started building our first hempcrete wall with Steve Allin. At that point, we had to decide on a material for the skeleton of the wall. As we looked around at the abundant bamboo in our region, Steve suggested an interesting idea—why not use bamboo instead of timber, which is commonly used in most hempcrete constructions worldwide? This was a game-changing moment for us.
Since then, bamboo has become an integral part of our work. Our decision to experiment with hemp, bamboo, and lime has proven to be more than just a sustainable choice—it’s become a symbol of innovation and versatility in construction.
The First Bamboo Hempcrete Wall
The idea of using bamboo for our first hempcrete wall was born from the abundance of bamboo around us and the sustainability it offered. Steve Allin’s suggestion to replace timber with bamboo was a leap into the unknown, but it quickly became clear that bamboo and hempcrete were a match made in heaven. Over the years, as we explored more possibilities, I can confidently say that bamboo, hemp, and lime work incredibly well together. Lime, in particular, plays a crucial role in preserving and strengthening the bamboo. To test this out, we dismantled a section of a wall we built 8 years ago and were amazed to find the bamboo inside as vibrant and strong as it was on day one. The lime had effectively protected the bamboo, preventing decay and preserving its strength.
Bamboo in Our Furniture and Construction
Since we first experimented with bamboo in 2016, we’ve gradually replaced almost all of our timber work with bamboo. Our furniture range—sofas, stools, racks, benches, tables, doors, and windows—is now made almost entirely from bamboo. In addition to furniture, we’ve incorporated bamboo into various aspects of construction and repair. For example, we’ve replaced plastic curtain rods with bamboo rods, decaying asbestos roof panels with bamboo panels, and created bamboo false ceilings. Bamboo fences, window cladding, and even bamboo panels for sun protection have become essential components of our designs.
Bamboo’s durability is unparalleled. Whether it’s bamboo mesh, hemp fiber and lime composite panels for workshop walls, or bamboo overhead racks for warehouse shelving, bamboo has held up exceptionally well. Even in high-traffic public spaces, bamboo has stood the test of time. This resilience, combined with its sustainable nature, makes bamboo an ideal material for everything from construction to furniture.
Bamboo’s Deep Cultural Significance
Bamboo is not just a material to us—it holds deep cultural significance. In our region, it is said that bamboo is the only plant present both at birth and at death. This powerful symbolism speaks to the plant’s role in the cycle of life. It has been woven into the cultural fabric of our community for generations, and it’s no surprise that bamboo continues to be a central part of our work.
In particular, the Dom community in our region has long worked with bamboo. For generations, they have perfected the craft of bamboo weaving, making everything from bamboo baskets to traditional tools such as supa (bamboo baskets) and dagri (a bamboo container for agricultural use). It is awe-inspiring to watch these artisans work, especially as they pass down their skills from one generation to the next. It’s not uncommon to see a child working alongside an elder, learning the craft with a sense of pride and joy. When you see a child weaving bamboo with the elders, it’s clear that it’s not child labor—it’s a tradition that’s fun, educational, and deeply rooted in their culture.
The skills of the Dom community have been an invaluable resource for us as we experiment with bamboo. Their expertise has been essential in our work with bamboo, and their craft continues to inspire us every day.
Bamboo Treatment: Natural Processing vs. Chemicals
One question I often get asked is whether I use treated or untreated bamboo in our projects. The answer is simple: I do not use chemically treated bamboo. I have always been a strong advocate of natural processing. The environmental cost of chemical treatments is something I find hard to justify, especially when we are aiming to create eco-friendly, sustainable products.
When it comes to bamboo for hempcrete, chemical treatment has not been necessary. The lime in the hempcrete acts as a natural preservative, protecting the bamboo inside the hempcrete wall from decay. Recently, we cast hempcrete around some bamboo pillars for a café, and although the bamboo got infected in certain areas, the lime’s protective qualities ensured the bamboo remained intact. For other purposes, we rely on traditional methods: choosing bamboo of the right age (avoiding bamboo harvested during the moon phase) and ensuring that it’s carefully selected for strength.
We also use a lime processing tank to soak bamboo, which helps strengthen it further. Additionally, we’ve adopted the principle of natural selection—storing bamboo for months before use, allowing any bamboo that is more prone to decay to show signs of damage. Bamboo that remains unaffected is chosen for use in our projects.
Bamboo and Natural Oils for Preservation
In our continuous efforts to preserve bamboo in an environmentally responsible way, we developed a natural oil finish using hemp seed oil and linseed oil. This finish nourishes the bamboo and provides a protective layer that helps it endure over time. Hemp and linseed oil are both naturally protective, and their use ensures that our bamboo products are not only aesthetically beautiful but also long-lasting.
Zero Waste and Bamboo: A Circular Approach
At Shah Hemp, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword—it’s at the core of everything we do. Our bamboo projects follow a zero-waste policy. Bamboo pieces that are leftover from our work are not discarded; instead, they are used for cooking. The ash produced from this cooking process is added to our organic gardens, closing the loop on waste and ensuring that nothing goes to waste.
Conclusion: Bamboo’s Infinite Potential
The versatility of bamboo never ceases to amaze me. From its ability to work seamlessly with hemp and lime to its deep cultural significance, bamboo has proven to be an invaluable resource. It is a symbol of sustainability, resilience, and cultural heritage—a perfect fit for our mission at Shah Hemp.
As we continue to experiment and innovate with hemp, bamboo, and lime, we are constantly discovering new ways to use these materials in construction, furniture, and even everyday household items. Bamboo has already played an integral role in many of our projects, and I am excited to explore even more possibilities in the future. By combining the best of nature’s materials, we can create a more sustainable, eco-friendly future for all.
