Exploring the barriers to the use and potential of timber for housing construction in Ghana

Timber, a renewable resource readily available in Ghana has structural, non-structural and decorative advantages as a building material. In recent times, however, it has been regarded as old fashioned and faces replacement by other “modern” materials. This research therefore examines the key barriers inhibiting the use and potential of timber for housing construction. Questionnaires were administered to the general public, timber processing firm and timber-constructed household and analysed using a descriptive statistical method. Key barriers to timber design and housing construction were then identified through semi-structured interviews with Architects. Timber house construction in Ghana has declined due to psychological and technical barriers. Psychologically, there is the fear of possible damage by insect and destruction by fire. Technical barriers that exist include depletion of the timber reserves, lack of design and detailing, ineffective treatment timber, and the absence of skilled tradesmen.