A Comprehensive Review of Bambusa oldhamii as a Sustainable Material in Architectural Construction

As the construction sector seeks environmentally sustainable alternatives, bamboo has emerged globally as a highly renewable, fast-growing biomaterial with outstanding structural properties. Among bamboo species, Bambusa oldhamii—historically valued for its agricultural and culinary uses—holds considerable yet largely untapped potential as a construction resource in Mexico. However, this study reveals that its formal integration into the construction sector remains severely constrained. First, Mexico faces a significant regulatory gap, characterized by the absence of specific building codes and construction standards governing the use of bamboo. Second, despite its promising performance, there is a marked scarcity of scientific research providing a consistent and systematic characterization of the physical and mechanical properties of Bambusa oldhamii. Addressing these gaps establishes urgent research priorities, including the development of standardized national testing protocols to characterize the material’s properties, as well as the design and manufacture of novel bamboo-derived products for building applications. Overcoming these barriers is essential to facilitate the transition of Bambusa oldhamii from informal uses to standardized building practices, thereby contributing to sustainable development and supporting the livelihoods and resilience of rural communities.