Location

Taiwan

Completion

2025

Application

Outdoor Railing System

Environment

Mountain Area / Riverside Landscape

Project Background

This project is located in a mountain scenic area in Taiwan, where walking paths run alongside streams and dense vegetation.

The original railing system was built with pressure-treated timber. After years of exposure to moisture and changing weather conditions, the government decided to replace the existing material with a more durable solution while maintaining the natural appearance required by the landscape.

Because the project is surrounded by forests and waterways, the new railing system needed to perform reliably in one of the most challenging outdoor environments in Taiwan.

Climate Challenges

Taiwan's subtropical climate creates demanding conditions for exterior materials.

High temperatures, frequent rainfall, long periods of humidity, and biological activity can accelerate the aging process of conventional wood products.

For public landscape projects, durability alone was not enough. Fire performance and resistance to decay were also important considerations during material selection.

Material Selection

The project adopted an Exterior Thermal Treated Bamboo Railing System.

Unlike conventional timber, the bamboo components were thermally modified at approximately 220°C. During this process, nutrients inside the bamboo are significantly reduced, helping improve resistance to decay and biological attack.

The finished material achieved:

• Durability Class 1 for exterior applications;
• Fire Rating B;
• High resistance to termites and fungal deterioration;
• Improved dimensional stability for humid environments.

These characteristics made the material suitable for long-term use in a mountain landscape exposed to constant moisture.

Structural Design

Each railing section measures approximately 1,860 mm in length with an overall height of 1,220 mm.

The posts were assembled using 18 mm bamboo boards, creating a solid square profile with a clean appearance.

The balusters and rails were manufactured from 30 mm bamboo components and connected to the posts through a mortise-and-tenon structure.

This design reduced on-site processing and allowed the installation team to complete the work efficiently.

Blending into the Landscape

One of the reasons the owner avoided metal or composite alternatives was to preserve the character of the surrounding environment.

The dark color and natural texture of thermally treated bamboo allowed the railing system to integrate with the forest, water features, and walking paths without appearing overly industrial.

Today, the railing follows the stream through the scenic area and has become part of the overall visitor experience rather than simply serving as a safety barrier.