Designers’ expectations of buildings physics performances related to green timber buildings

Abstract

In recent years, the presence of green timber buildings has increased significantly in the construction market. People are increasingly requesting them, but designers still hold certain personal beliefs and seem to lack confidence. This is a research problem since this could also be caused by a lack of education. Thus, the main aim of this work is to investigate designers’ expectations of conventional and green timber buildings, their knowledge gaps and personal beliefs. Questionnaires were administrated to designers before and after attending training classes focused on dedicated building physics topics. Statistical analyses were then conducted on the results in order to understand the influence of the training classes on participants’ personal beliefs, knowledge gaps and expectations. Results clearly show attendees’ personal beliefs and significant differences when they compare timber and conventional buildings. Age and education level significantly influence designers’ choices. Personal beliefs, knowledge gaps and expectations are clearly present and strongly related to green timber buildings. The positive role of dedicated classes or seminars dealing with these topics is demonstrated and encouraged.