Wood pushed as viable construction material
Engineered wood has emerged as a viable alternative to concrete and steel in the construction industry, owing to its low-carbon footprint and technical performance as a structural material.
With growing concerns over the environmental impact of construction activities, the construction industry is witnessing a shift towards green building practices in many countries. Generally, in South Africa, people have negative attitudes towards timber, which prevent them from adopting it. This is changing, however, as more people experience first-hand the benefits of timber construction.
A key aspect of this transition involves re-evaluating construction materials, as their efficiency directly influences energy consumption and greenhouse-gas (GHG) emissions.
The RAW Modular Experience, forms part of the ProtoBuilding programme being supported by University of Pretoria , which aims to nurture a positive mindset towards using wood as a construction medium.
The idea of the RAW Modular Experience is to provide students from various institutes and disciplines, especially those related to construction, with practical design and building experience.
Hopefully, this will also increase their knowledge about modular wood construction, consequently enabling them to design and build using timber, positively influencing their attitudes and, subsequently, broaden social norms, towards the medium.
More than 100 students have attended either the RAW Modular Experience or the courses by architectural firm Earthworld Architects & Interiors.
Read further at: https://lnkd.in/dcczmqTz
Check out the RAW Modular Experience at: https://lnkd.in/dMj5_CFs
Read Ferdinand Hassan‘s paper on barriers and enablers of the adoption of engineered wood products: https://lnkd.in/dyW4tE4y
Join the discussion at: https://lnkd.in/dZ4WJBHa
To get involved with education and research aiming to promote sustainability join the Graduate School of Technology Management (GSTM) or the UP Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology
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