Guadua (Guadua angustifolia) is considered the vegetable steel of the Andes. This grass native to Colombia combines structural strength comparable to steel with a negative carbon footprint.
Unique properties
With a tensile strength of up to 260 MPa, guadua outperforms many hardwoods and approaches structural steel. It is lightweight, flexible and seismic-resistant, which makes it an ideal material for areas of high seismic activity such as Colombia.
Environmental benefits
Each hectare of guadua grove captures up to 300 tons of CO2 in 5 years. What’s more, it regenerates naturally: a culm takes only 4-6 years to mature, compared with 20-30 years for traditional timber.
Sustainable construction
At Norguaduas we combine guadua with modern preservation techniques and bioclimatic design to create healthy, durable and aesthetically unique spaces.