Indigenous Materials

by RR

Indigenous materials

These are materials that can be generally defined as materials that are locally produced, and manufactured, naturally occurring, and abundant in a certain region.

Bamboo, Coconut, Anahaw, Rattan, Cogon Grass,

Examples of Indigenous materials

Bamboo

It is from the grass family and is one of the fastest growing plants on earth. However, it is susceptible to fungi and insect attacks. Like true wood, it is a natural composite material with a high strength-to weight ratio useful for structures. It has a high compressive and tensile strength.

Boric acid preservation treatment, Use epoxy with fine sand, Neem seed oil treatment

What are the methods of preservation for bamboo

1-3 years

Lifespan of untreated bamboo when exposed to soil and atmosphere.

4-7 years

Lifespan of untreated bamboo if it is protected under cover.

10-15 years

Lifespan of untreated bamboo under very favorable conditions.

Scaffolding, supplemental and/or decorative element, ladders, reinforcement of concrete, piles, structural members, house construction (nipa hut)

Examples of uses of bamboo

Strength, Flexibility, Lightweight, Low-cost, Durability

Properties of bamboo

Quality, Durability, Availability, Finishing

Properties of Coconut lumber

Coconut

It has a smooth, slender stem that grows to a height of about 25 meters and with an average diameter of 300mm. The hardest, densest part of the wood is found on the outer perimeter of the trunk, which gives the tree its strength. The wood’s high silica content gives the tree elasticity. Towards the center of the trunk, the wood gets less hard.

Medium-density

This coconut timber can be used for walls, ceiling joists and horizontal studs.

Low-density

This coconut timber is used in non-load bearing applications like wood paneling, internal trim, and ceilings, as well as homewares.

Anahaw (Footstool Palm)

The trunk is hard, strong, and durable. It can be split into strips for flowing, sliding and even handles of tools. It is commonly used as post, piles in fish pen and poles. The trunks are used as house posts, they are shiny and beautiful when cleaned and polished. This is one of the popular palms in the Philippines and its foliage is the unofficial national leaf.

Rattan

It is is a climbing palm with an elongated fibrous trunk. Several thorns or spines, hair and bristles are scattered all over the plant. It grows in virgin forests, usually in thickets or second growth forests, at low or medium altitudes.

Furniture, handicraft & art pieces, stave or canes, walking stick, and crooks for high-end umbrellas

Uses of Rattan

Cogon Grass

The grass’ blade is very resistant to fire because of its thick, waxy coating. They can be placed on the roofs to cover the weak wood or tin to provide an extra layer of defense against harmful environments like fire.

Baskets, bags, roofing

Uses of Cogon Grass