Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
1746872 | Journal of Cleaner Production | 2009 | 7 Pages |
This paper presents selected findings from a representative consumer survey of the German population exploring the image of timber as a construction material in general, and of timber frame houses in particular. The study found that prejudice regarding the deficiency of timber as a construction material and of timber frame houses, in terms of fire resistance, durability and stability, persists in the minds of consumers. On the other hand, timber as a construction material and timber frame houses have a positive association with well-being, aesthetics and eco-friendliness. Although these “soft” criteria are important factors in the choice of a certain building construction mode, these attributes are not sufficient, on their own, to trigger the choice of timber as a construction material.