Bali is embracing eco-friendly materials like bamboo, recycled wood, and volcanic stone for construction, blending environmental benefits with local traditions. Here’s a quick summary of each material:
- Bamboo: Stronger than steel (tensile strength of 28,000 psi), grows rapidly, absorbs 33% more CO2 than trees, and costs $100–$330/m². Requires treatment and regular maintenance for durability.
- Recycled Wood: Repurposed from old boats and buildings, it reduces deforestation and methane emissions. Durable and aesthetic but needs careful treatment to handle Bali’s humid climate.
- Volcanic Stone: Naturally durable, weather-resistant, and ideal for tropical conditions. Costs $10–$100/m² and offers thermal regulation with minimal upkeep.
Quick Comparison
| Material | Key Benefits | Challenges | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bamboo | Renewable, strong, absorbs CO2 | Needs treatment, fire risk | $100–$330/m² |
| Recycled Wood | Reduces waste, aesthetic, durable | Processing costs, humidity | Varies |
| Volcanic Stone | Durable, weather-resistant, cooling | Heavy, limited applications | $10–$100/m² |
These materials align with Bali’s sustainable goals while respecting its cultural heritage. The article dives deeper into their durability, cost, and environmental impact to guide eco-conscious building decisions.
Bamboo Bungalow for $17K in Bali
1. Bamboo Construction
Bamboo has become a popular building material in Bali, thanks to its impressive strength and eco-friendly qualities. With a tensile strength of 28,000 psi – higher than steel’s 23,000 psi – bamboo is a reliable option for structural use. It also absorbs up to 12 tons of CO2 per hectare annually, making it an environmentally conscious choice.
On top of that, bamboo is cost-efficient. Prices range from $100/m² for industrial buildings to $330/m² for residential projects, while conventional materials average around 7 million IDR ($460) per m².
Pablo Luna Studio highlights bamboo’s durability when it’s properly treated:
"Mature bamboo, when chosen and treated correctly, demands little ongoing structural upkeep in a well-designed and constructed building. Any exposed poles should be regularly checked and safeguarded, as bamboo should not be exposed to rain or sun. Moreover, the stability of the joints should be assessed every couple of years to ensure their continued firmness. Applying a new finishing layer to both the structural and interior bamboo surfaces every 2 to 4 years enhances their durability and keeps them looking their best."
To thrive in Bali’s tropical climate, bamboo must be treated with a boron and boric acid mixture. Common varieties like Petung, Tali, Duri, and Pancing are typically sourced from Bali and Java.
Key Maintenance Practices for Bamboo Structures
| Aspect | Specification | Maintenance Interval |
|---|---|---|
| Treatment | Boron and boric acid mixture | Pre-construction |
| Joint Inspection | Stability check | Every 2 years |
| Surface Finishing | Protective coating | Every 2–4 years |
| Weather Protection | Rain and sun shields | Continuous monitoring |
Although bamboo is durable, it has its challenges. Fire resistance is a notable concern, but advances like Structural Engineered Bamboo (SEB) offer about 30% better fire resistance compared to untreated bamboo. Additionally, bamboo’s natural variability requires careful selection and treatment to ensure consistent quality.
Lastly, securing proper permits, such as the Building Approval PBG, is essential to meet local regulations and ensure sustainable construction practices.
2. Recycled Wood Applications
Recycled wood plays a major role in Bali’s construction scene, offering both practical and aesthetic benefits. Local suppliers like Kaltimber take old materials – such as boats, bridges, and warehouses – and turn them into high-quality timber products. As Kaltimber puts it:
"We carefully select the best disused boats, bridges or warehouses and turn them into beautiful solid timber products including decking, flooring, ceiling, duckboard, panelling and countertops."
Common Sources and Uses
In Bali, recycled wood comes from a variety of sources, each serving unique purposes:
| Source | Common Wood Types | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Old Boats | Teak, Ironwood | Flooring, Wall Panels |
| Traditional Houses | Mahogany, Teak | Beams, Window Frames |
| Non-wood Factories | Mixed Hardwoods | Decorative Elements |
This approach not only helps preserve Bali’s cultural heritage but also encourages creative restoration practices. For example, El Bodegón de Asia restores old boats and houses with methods that maintain both their structural integrity and original charm.
Environmental and Cost Factors
Recycled wood offers clear environmental benefits. It reduces the need for new timber, helps combat deforestation, and minimizes methane emissions from decomposing wood in landfills. By sourcing wood locally, suppliers like Karyanusa Asia also cut down on transportation-related carbon emissions.
On the cost side, recycled wood requires extra processing – such as removing nails, filling holes, and refinishing – which can affect the price. However, with the rising cost of new lumber, recycled wood has become a competitive alternative.
Strengths and Challenges
Recycled wood, particularly teak and ironwood, is highly durable and well-suited for Bali’s tropical climate. Its history of use in marine settings highlights its resilience. Other benefits include its ability to store carbon even after being repurposed and the lower energy needed for processing compared to new timber.
To ensure the best results, builders should prioritize well-sourced and properly treated recycled wood, especially for Bali’s demanding climate.
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3. Volcanic Stone Methods
Volcanic stone stands out as a durable building material, sourced locally and ideal for Bali’s tropical climate. Its natural properties make it a practical choice for various construction needs.
Material Properties and Applications
Bali lava stone’s porous structure helps cool buildings naturally, making it versatile for different uses. Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Application | Benefits | Recommended Finish |
|---|---|---|
| Flooring | Weather-resistant, Non-slip | Honed, Bush Hammered |
| Pool Areas | Cool to touch, Anti-microbial | Honed for barefoot comfort |
| Wall Cladding | Thermal insulation, Durable | Rough Face, Random Irregular |
| Exterior Paving | Weather resistance, Low upkeep | Sawn Cut, Bullnose |
Cost and Environmental Impact
The cost of Bali volcanic stone ranges from US$10 to US$100 per m², depending on the finish and application. Its local availability helps cut down on transportation emissions, making it a more eco-friendly option.
Performance in Tropical Conditions
This material thrives in Bali’s tropical environment due to its unique features:
- Neutral pH: Prevents the growth of microorganisms.
- Thermal Regulation: Absorbs sunlight during the day and releases warmth at night.
- Weather Resistance: Handles extreme tropical weather with ease.
These qualities make it easier to install and maintain, saving time and effort in the long run.
Installation and Maintenance Tips
For high-traffic areas, opt for thicker stone to enhance durability. In pool areas, choose honed-finished Black Lava Stone for added slip resistance and comfort.
Thanks to its natural strength, Bali lava stone requires minimal upkeep, making it a practical choice for both residential and commercial projects. Its ability to withstand harsh tropical conditions ensures it remains a reliable option over time.
Material Strengths and Limitations
Bali’s go-to sustainable materials – bamboo, recycled wood, and volcanic stone – each come with their own set of strengths and challenges when it comes to durability, upkeep, and environmental impact.
Bamboo is treated with boron-borax mixtures to boost its lifespan, but it requires consistent maintenance to stay in good shape. While bamboo grows quickly and is easy to replenish, its durability depends heavily on proper care and protection.
Recycled wood gives new life to old timber, reducing waste by reusing various types of wood. However, Bali’s humid climate makes it essential to carefully select and treat the wood to ensure it lasts.
Volcanic stone stands out for its natural durability and resistance to weather, making it a solid choice for structural elements in Bali’s tropical environment.
To meet Bali’s strict safety and seismic requirements, architects often combine these materials. For example, volcanic stone is commonly used for sturdy foundations, while bamboo is favored for superstructures, striking a balance between strength, aesthetics, and eco-conscious design.
Conclusion
Bamboo has become a key material in Bali’s construction scene, offering renewable benefits and strong structural performance. Its use has surged by 50% between 1990 and 2020, highlighting its role in eco-friendly building practices.
For residential projects, locally sourced materials play a central role. Engineered bamboo enhances seismic resilience, while volcanic stone adds durability and visual appeal. These methods have been recognized by the Green Building Council Indonesia (GBCI) through their certification programs, showcasing Bali’s dedication to sustainable design.
In commercial spaces, recycled wood is often used for interiors, while volcanic stone dominates exterior finishes. Architect Elora Hardy speaks to bamboo’s versatility:
"Bamboo is so versatile – it can be the star, the defining feature of a space, the wow – and it can also feel invisible, natural, like a nest or cocoon around you as if it wasn’t ‘designed’ or ‘built’ at all".
Bali’s thoughtful use of eco-conscious materials blends technical needs with local traditions. Strict building codes, limiting heights to 49 feet in tourist areas and 59 feet in other zones, ensure that development respects both the environment and Balinese cultural values.
