Kent Gration’s Wambamboo Costello Seat is a wonderful example of sustainable materials used in an eye-catching way. Made from cross-laminated bamboo ribs, the ergonomically-designed small storage holder puts the focus on the exotic nature of the materiality, creating a vivid mosaic of the bamboo’s colors and layers. The seat has been created as a prototype for future production which will use plywood molding techniques.
Kate,
I can not agree that bamboo is an inherently sustainable material. Yes, it renews within 4 to 5 years, but, first, it grows in Asia, which implies a very long transportation way to the manufacturing plant. Secondly, it is available only in pretty small stripps, which have to be glued together. To evaluate its environmental friendlyness one needs to have the information what kind of adhesives have been used, otherwise these glues and finishes can release pretty nasty chemicals into the indoor air. And, third, Asia, especially China, is not very well-known for fair labor laws. I think all of this should be considered before touting a material as sustainable or environmentally friendly.
Dear Kate,
Bamboo also grows in Brazil, Central American, Africa, and Florida too ! One of the biggest challenges with Bamboo is that it can get out of hand and take over ‘inhabitats’ of natural species. Did you know that Bamboo I-Beams are used in many high rise buildings in the orient… because they are stronger than steel ? Bamboo has it’s pluses and minuses.
[...] COOL STOOL – These couldn’t be the most comfortable seats in the house, but the Wambamboo are certainly cool. Thanks to Inhabit.com for the heads up. [...]
I could not agree more with Richie, bamboo grows in several different places, not only in Asia. Besides there are lots of different glues and fishings that are environment friendly. In brazil there are some alternatives that are even biodegradable. although all materials have its environmental friendlyness depending on the use it`s given to it, bamboo could be considered an ecxellent material.