For many structural purposes, bamboo is superior to both steel and aluminium, with equivalent or better strength specs at a much lighter weight.
Thus, predictably, the short form of this Idea is "Use bamboo in space construction": start by sending preformed components (dried and irradiated then
x-rayed to confirm structural integrity) up to orbit to use where appropriate: an idea which I believe stands on its own well enough. However, let's take that a bit further...
"Bamboo Plantation(s) in Outer Space":
While structure design would still probably be a "flatlander" job right down to the component level, the bamboo material would be grown, harvested and formed in-situ, ie: in orbit. To list some of the advantages that this has over transporting finished components:
• Fertilizer and seeds are much denser than bamboo poles or tiles.
This provides a much better weight/packing scheme on an outbound shuttle. Also, like water, fertilizer can be brought up any time the shuttle has an otherwise "light" load, and stored at the station for use when necessary.
• Station-produced biological waste can be used, instead of being disposed of.
A space veggie garden is a must but there's still going to be plenty of food shipped up the gravity well, which means there's always going to be more plant food put in to the hydroponics bay than there is foodstuffs taken out. (Also of note is the human aversion to eating human waste products, even once removed.)
• Components have a shipping time of close to zero.
Well, it's right there innit: need a replacement spar ? go pick out a pole, cut it, dry it and shape it. Micrometeroid blow a hole in the floor ? get some more panels out of the tile machine.
• Crew morale would be up.
Instead of sending up construction parts, cows and lobsters are transported to be turned into construction parts.
[bamboo space construction promoted from an annotation in <link>]