Not long ago, we posted an article about communities that use bamboo construction to boost local economies and build homes for those in need. That article focused on Haiti and how they were cultivating bamboo forests there to restructure the devastation caused by the 2010 earthquake.

Now, we see that Bali is also in the ring. In Indonesia, far from the tourist areas within Bali, the world's largest bamboo commercial structure is starting to take form. What is this amazingly large bamboo structure being used for, none other than a chocolate factory.

The innovative 3 story, 23,000 square foot building will be constructed using well over 3,000 long, flexible bamboo poles and will boast an attractive 50 foot sloped roof.  

Big Tree Farms factory, the company constructing the bamboo building calls this feat nothing short of amazing.

Bamboo is a long favorite construction material favored in the West for flooring and other products has made its way into the US market as consumers have realized its potential, both in the eco-friendly sense as well as for its strength as a hard wood and affordability. Bamboo construction is making such an impact on third world countries to the highest quality products in multi-million dollar homes and businesses.

Bali is obviously taking a place on the current center stage of the bamboo construction industry by erecting this amazing building.  Oh yeah, did we mention this chocolate factory will produce organic chocolate? Kudos!

In the past, Bali has attracted construction companies, carpenters, architects and designers from across the globe to use bamboo in building everything from schools to luxury homes and exclusive resorts. Now they are adding a remote chocolate factory to their resume. Not to mention record breaking bamboo construction.

Bamboo will grow in just about any climate, and while it is not native (for example in Haiti) in every part of the world, it can grow up to 4 feet in a single day, surpass an mature oak tree in size in half a year’s time, can be grown just about anywhere. This makes it an attractive alternative to building construction. It is inexpensive to produce, rivals most any hardwood and does not affect our planet like the horrific practice deforestation does. Whether being used to make a luxury resort, rebuild a devastated community or the largest bamboo constructed commercial space. Bamboo is eco-amazing.

Bamboo is certainly regarded as one of the most sustainable building materials (if not the most) in the world. Using this material to construct buildings is a win-win situation.

For nearly six years, Bali's bamboo construction craze has coupled entrepreneurial expats and local craftsmen to create amazing eco-friendly buildings and products. The first construction project we know of using bamboo in Bali (at least commercially) was the creation of Bali’s Green School that hosts nearly 300 pupils.  

Following suit, Bali’s Green Village, is a high end housing community hosting beautifully bamboo constructed villas.  

Incidentally, you may know of Big Tree Farms if you buy any gourmet spices, salt blends and other artisan products at US-based uber-indulgent Dean & DeLuca.

Bamboo construction has also gotten attention in Columbia, Vietnam and China, our planetary leader in bamboo production. As this eco-friendly construction and household product becomes more understood, it also becomes better made. Undoubtedly companies will compete to create the highest quality bamboo products and that is a good thing.

Bamboo has always been here, and now that people are finally starting to embrace this sustainable resource, bamboo production will get better and better. Go bamboo revolution! Thank you Bali.

By : Amy Wermuth

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