Page 16 - Landscape-Issue125

FEATURE

Cross-section of the bamboo plant

Environmental benefits of
bamboo
Bamboo is well suited to outdoor furniture and can X-treme photo by Furns
be made from beams or boards. Its extreme hardness (Source: Bamboo Farming Agribook www.trees.co.za)
• bamboo helps to combat soil erosion;
makes it resistant to vandalism.
• it reforests areas denuded of vegetation
caused by the demand for cooking fuel;
• it removes heavy metals and other
and appearance is normal. Colour can pollutants from water;
change fast, from dark brown to brown or • it responds to climate change through
grey, depending on climatic conditions and carbon sequestration;
maintenance. • it provides shade and creates
windbreaks for food crops;
Outdoor furniture • it provides food for humans in the form
This forms an important part of public Design and photo by Erlau AG of shoots and fodder for animals in the
spaces, and architects and manufacturers form of leaves;
therefore need to choose materials that • it helps to capture water, allowing it to
suit the space and have a long life span. • it is fire resistant without the use of percolate instead of flowing away;
Being very durable, bamboo is ideal for fire retardants and as a result, can be • it can be planted as noise barriers and
this application. In addition, its extreme easily applied in public installation wind breaks;
hardness makes it resistant to vandalism. projects without additional protective • it develops greener, more aesthetically
Outdoor furniture can be made from measures. pleasing living environments;
bamboo beams or boards. • it provides a habitat for wildlife and
Photos supplied courtesy of MOSO Africa (Pty) improved biodiversity;
Benefits of MOSO® Bamboo Ltd • it increases environmental awareness
X-treme® Moso Africa (Pty) Ltd 021 671 1214 and opportunities for communities to
It is: www.moso-bamboo.com enter the green economy.
• durable and stronger than any tropical Instagram: mosobambooproducts
hardwood available;
• highly stable as a result of the thermo
treatment combined with high density
compression. There is a limited tendency
to torsion and only 5 – 6 mm expansion
space between the boards;
• decking can be easily installed using
hidden fasteners and both sides of
the board (reeded or flat) can be used.
No complicated installation plans are
necessary due to the end-match system;
• there is a 30% saving in installation costs
and reduced waste due to the end-match
system;
• the product has a beautiful appearance
and a natural hardwood look, with a
choice of flat or reeded surface in one
reversible board. It is free of knots and
plant resins.
• it is carbon neutral over its full life cycle
and no fungicide is used in its production; Bamboo decking at the Vabali Spa in Hamburg

14 Landscape SA • Issue 125 2023