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Chloe Adamson
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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. Site section showing full vertical structure using bamboo framing. 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.
When acclaimed structural engineer Neil Thomas MBE stepped onto the House of Bamboo® stage, it felt less a formal keynote and more like the meeting of long-lost allies. Within minutes, we discovered a shared imperative: to leave the planet better than we found it, for our children and for the generations who will inhabit the buildings we design today. From London to Bali: a career defined by innovation Founder & Director, Atelier One, widely described as one of Britain’s most innovative engineering practices. Multiple honours, including an MBE, the IABSE Milne Medal (2019), and a World Architecture Festival “Building of the Year” (2012) for Gardens by the Bay, Singapore. Lecturer at Yale, MIT and other leading institutions, where he inspires the next wave of sustainable design thinkers. GREEN SCHOOL GYMNASIUM Green School Gymnasium, Indonesia, photography is by Tommaso Riva. LUMI SHALA Lumi Shala, Indonesia, photography is by Astbury, J. Yet it is his recent bamboo work that truly sets him apart. As lead engineer on The Arc at Green School, Bali a soaring series of interlocking bamboo arches, Thomas proved that natural materials can deliver the structural drama usually reserved for steel or concrete. It prompted him to declare: “If we were to design the ideal building material, it would look a lot like bamboo.” Why bamboo, why now? During his House of Bamboo® address, Neil set out an unflinching equation: He argued that the construction sector’s timber shortfall is already acute, and that bamboo is the only scalable natural material capable of filling the gap without ecological harm. A partnership forged in purpose Our immediate connection was grounded in a shared goal: to accelerate the adoption of bamboo as a mainstream structural material. For over fifty years, House of Bamboo® has supplied projects across Australia, and Neil’s work exemplifies how these materials can redefine skylines around the world. Together, we envision a future where engineered bamboo stands alongside timber, steel, and concrete, enabling elegant, carbon-positive architecture at scale. As we embrace new engineering developments, it is crucial to champion materials that contribute to sustainability and innovation in construction. At House of Bamboo®, we are excited to partner with pioneers like Neil. To learn how to integrate bamboo into your projects, please visit our website or contact us to arrange a CPD session for your team.