Timber is a wonder material with many functional, aesthetic and environmental benefits. Here's 13 reasons why it's the best construction material.

1. 13 reasons why
Sustainable
Timber
is the best construction material

2. Timber has always been
used in construction.
But with growing concern
about global
deforestation -
should you still use it?
The short answer is yes -
as long as it’s sustainable.
Here’s 13 reasons why…

3. Carbon Capture & Storage
When used in construction, timber
does not decompose. The carbon is
‘locked up’ in the built environment.
If replaced by new trees, the over-all
effect is less carbon in the atmosphere.
1.

4. Timber only needs minimal
processing.
This gives it the lowest embodied
energy of any mainstream building
material.
Vastly lower than steel, concrete or
aluminium.
Low Embodied Energy2.

5. Truly Renewable3.
As a renewable material, timber really
does grow on trees.
A tree reaches harvest size in 25-80
years, while materials for bricks, steel
and plastics are essentially finite.

6. Durable & Easily Maintained4.
As a highly durable material, timber has
very good structural properties.
Well-designed timber buildings can last
for centuries, or reach eight storeys tall.
New innovations are even allowing
timber to be used for high-rises.

7. Warm Comforting Aesthetic5.
Wood has a warming and comforting
aesthetic which is popular all over the
world.
Its natural appearance can also help a
building blend into the landscape.

8. Highly Versatile6.
Wood competes with plastic in its
enormously wide range of
applications…
From structural frames to exterior
cladding and joinery, and from
decorative finishes to furniture.

9. Timber-frame buildings are far quicker
to construct than brick or stone
buildings.
A shorter build time is cheaper and
more convenient.
Quick and Simple Build7.

10. A timber-frame allows more space for
insulation, compared to a brick building
- meaning a lower energy demand.
Wood is also has subtle thermal
insulating properties of its own.
Better Insulation8.

11. Scrap and Salvaged Wood9.
Because it’s so versatile, scrap wood
from timber production can be used
for other products, like small
ornaments, fencing or fibreboard.
Timber can also be salvaged and re-
used, or safely burnt or composted.

12. Non-Toxic10.
Timber is a naturally safe and totally
non-toxic material.
However - watch out for toxic glues
and preservatives.
Choose eco-friendly ones where
possible, or specify durable untreated
timber.

13. As an organic material, timber is a
natural humidity regulator.
It absorbs and releases moisture
according to how humid or dry it is -
improving indoor air quality.
Humidity Regulator11.

14. Priceless Habitats12.
Woodlands are priceless habitats
for wildlife - including many
endangered species.
The more popular sustainable
timber is, the more sustainably
managed woodland there will be.

15. Ecological Services13.
Forests also reduce the risk of
droughts, floods and soil erosion.
They stabilise micro-climates and
rainfall patterns, and they purify the air.
And the more commercially valuable
forests are, the more there’ll be.

16. Most of these points are only true for
sustainable timber.
Protect forests by always choosing
timber from FSC certified forests!
Where possible, avoid tropical
hardwoods and opt for locally sourced.
(Map of FSC certified
woodlands in UK)

17. Koru Architects is a sustainability-focused architect practice,
based in Brighton & Hove, UK. www.koruarchitects.co.uk
Want More?
This SlideShare is based on
13 Ways Sustainable Timber is
the Best Construction Material
- read the whole article for
more detail.
Or sign up for our newsletter!