Architects' perception of EWPs and modified wood in contemporary timber architecture

A wide variety of engineered wood products (EWPs) are currently available on the market, but many of these EWPs are still underutilized for reasons such as cost, poor dimensional stability, low durability etc. The market for new durable products of modified wood has increased substantially during the last few years. Wood modification is implemented to improve the intrinsic properties of wood, widen the range of timber applications, and to acquire the form and function desired by engineers, without affecting low environmental impact of the material. Today, the most frequently used wood modifications methods are thermal modification, furfurylation and acetylation of which thermal modification is dominant by volume, with an annual global production about 600,000 m 3 . To understand better how architects specify EWPs in their profession, a research project has been undertaken in Slovenia, Austria, France, Sweden, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). The results suggest that in general there is a positive perception regarding the use of EWPs in these countries. The study provides an updated overview of the perceived identity of modified wood products among architects. The perception of thermally modified timber is positive. Differences were found in the perception of EWPs, the importance of timber-based construction, and the markets for bio-based materials. Our findings suggest that as environmental attitudes evolve in society and a greater proportion of consumers search for environmentally friendly product alternatives, the opportunities for timber to gain higher market share will increase.
Forskningsfinansiär: COST FP1407; Slovenian Research Agency (P4-0015)