Cohousing-L Mailing List: Re: ? Bamboo in CommonHouse?

[Wayne Tyson (landrest]

The architect's response is frustratingly vague, if informative.

WT

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Rodney Elin" <hen3ry [at] easternvillage.org>
To: <cohousing-l [at] cohousing.org>
Sent: Sunday, November 27, 2011 5:18 PM
Subject: Re: [C-L]_ ? Bamboo in CommonHouse?


> On Mon   21 Nov 11 21 Nov 11 7:5953, Ruth Hirsch wrote:
> > Hi,
> >
> > I just got one wonderful note enthusiastically supporting the use of 
> > hardwood in the CommonHouse, thank you again  Muriel.
> > At the same time, I received a note from our architect indicating that 
> > they were having second thoughts abt hardwood, and are considering 
> > bamboo.
> >
> > Bamboo anyone?  Have you used it in your CommonHouse?
> > If so, would you do the same again>
> > What do you think of it?
> > Has it discolored in sunlight?
>
> This response may seem a little out of date but I finally received a
> response from the architect who I originally forwarded the inquiry to:
>
>
> responding directly to Ruth's query, this architect said:
>
>
> Bamboo-wise... Unlike wood, bamboo is not certified for quality or
> strength. As bamboo reaches it's full height in about a year, but
> requires 3-5 years to achieve full strength, the market is flooded with
> 'young' bamboo. While fully matured bamboo is as strong as oak, immature
> bamboo is very easily damaged.  The lesson we learned is to request a
> sample of any bamboo you intend to purchase. Vigorously test the sample
> for hardness.
>
> From an environmental point of view, I would recommend a
> locally-sourced wood floor that is FSC (forest stewardship council)
> certified. All bamboo flooring is sourced from China, and has
> significant environmental impacts that (in my opinion) outweigh the
> renewable quality of bamboo. Locally-sourced FSC wood may not be as
> interesting as bamboo, but it's probably the better environmental choice.
>
>
> ~Rodney
> Eastern Village Cohousing,
>
>
>
> > many thanks,
> > Ruth
> > Cantines Island
> > Saugerties
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