Journal article
Consumer attitudes towards timber as a construction material and towards timber frame houses - selected findings of a representative survey among the German population
Publication Details
Authors: | Gold, S.; Rubik, F. |
Publisher: | ELSEVIER SCI LTD |
Publication year: | 2009 |
Journal: | Journal of Cleaner Production |
Pages range : | 303-309 |
Volume number: | 17 |
Issue number: | 2 |
Start page: | 303 |
End page: | 309 |
Number of pages: | 7 |
ISSN: | 0959-6526 |
eISSN: | 1879-1786 |
DOI-Link der Erstveröffentlichung: |
Abstract
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. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Keywords
Consumer, Survey, Sustainability, Timber, Timber frame houses
