At House of Bamboo®, we were honoured to welcome  Professor Yan Xiao, one of the world’s foremost authorities on structural bamboo, to speak at our recent event. His presence wasn’t just symbolic, it represented a profound alignment between innovation, sustainability, and the future of the built environment.

Pioneering a Global First

Professor Xiao is best known for designing and constructing the  world’s first 7-storey building made entirely from engineered structural bamboo. This monumental achievement has reframed what’s possible with natural materials in large-scale construction. His work demonstrates that bamboo isn’t just decorative or supplementary it is a serious structural contender.

7 storey residential structure built using GluBam engineered bamboo.

120m² layout designed for modern shared living.

From Research to Real-World Impact

With a background as Professor at Zhejiang University (China) and formerly at the University of Southern California, Xiao’s contributions to structural engineering are globally recognised. He has developed patented systems such as GluBam, an engineered bamboo composite used in bridges, buildings, and emergency housing  all with the aim of reducing the environmental impact of construction.

But it’s not just about innovation in theory. Professor Xiao works closely with manufacturers to ensure that the materials used in his designs meet both performance and environmental criteria. We are proud to say that our factory in China has supplied bamboo for some of his key projects  a collaboration that continues to inspire us.

A Message That Resonates

During his presentation at House of Bamboo®, Professor Xiao shared insights into how bamboo can reshape the construction industry not in the distant future, but now. He spoke of bamboo’s:

• Exceptional strength-to-weight ratio
• Natural renewability and low carbon footprint
• Ability to replace timber and steel in many structural applications

His work bridges continents and cultures, combining the technical rigour of engineering with the regenerative power of nature.

Building a Sustainable Future

Having Professor Xiao visit House of Bamboo® and share his experience with our audience was a milestone moment. His research and built work provide compelling proof that bamboo is not just an alternative it is a solution. As Australia seeks new pathways to build sustainably, voices like Professor Xiao’s light the way forward.