Multiple Scales Insight, into using Timber for a sustainable and future approach to Buildings

GANEM, CAROLINA

The Importance of Wood and Timber in Sustainable Buildings

Springer International Publishing

Año: 2021; p. 1 - 30

Owing to its unique characteristics, wood has historically been a valuable and useful natural resource. It is also one of the most important construction materials mankind has ever come across. This review chapter aims to provide a big-picture view of the choices that had influenced using timber in construction. The novelty of this proposal is that it succinctly will cover current knowledge and provide important insights at multiple scales: from trees as a sustainable resource and timber properties as construction materials, to cultural practices to use of timber for building in different time periods. At the smallest scale, the elements that make up the structure of wood contribute to its various properties at a macro scale. At the largest scale, the knowledge of material properties increases the already significant potential for using timber in the built environment. Bringing these two scales together should provide directions for future research that will shape environmental outcomes for sustainable building.