The 3 Best Natural Building Materials for Bamboo Construction

Mud and lime are natural materials that are regenerative and can be used for different applications within bamboo structures, including walls, inbuilt furniture, and floors.

There are different techniques for using mud for wall construction, these include cob, adobe, rammed earth, and wattle & daub. Each technique has its appropriate context and resulting design aesthetic.

Lime can be used as mortar or as a plaster for masonry walls, as a finish, for flooring, and for the lath & plastering technique of building walls.

Using mud and lime creates different textures and natural color contrasts and therefore works in harmony with the bamboo structure. These materials help to improve indoor air quality and regulate temperature in buildings.

There are many stones available in the market and it is crucial to choose the right kind of stone that adds value to your bamboo building design.

The main stone types we use in Bali that are locally available are river stones, volcanic stone bricks- locally known as paras, and slate stone locally known as jember. We use river stones as moisture barriers between the foundations and bamboo structural columns. River stones are also used as seating elements and natural terraces inside a space.

Paras is a stone-cut piece that is used to create natural walls, borders, stairs, and pavements that fit nicely within Bali’s natural landscape. Jember slate is a natural stone with unique textures and shapes, one of the best outdoor paving and flooring materials in terms of maintenance.