Challenges of timber construction

To replace concrete with timber for construction in Malaysia has been a huge challenge and has a significant number of constrains. Even though, Malaysia exports good quality timber in a huge amount, the idea of timber construction within Malaysia has been considered as not sustainable. 

Traditional Malay Timber House

First of all, the various regulations from authorities and regulatory bodies towards timber has been strict and as a result, the process to go through to get permits from authorities for timber construction is far way difficult than the actual construction process. Therefore, people tend to avoid this and seek for simpler methods and materials. 

Secondly, even though timber has a potential future in construction industry, people are still having second thoughts to use it as a main construction material due to various reasons. For one thing, as timber construction is still new and they are not well tested or proven. Furthermore, there are negative perceptions spread towards timber construction which lead for wrong information. 

Traditional Malay Timber House

Moreover, besides all the challenges, timber construction is slowly developing and taking over. There are many benefits and advantages of timber constructions in various extents. Timber is known to be a healing material. It is proved that hospitals built with timber give a smoother healing process for the patients and they tend to be happier. In addition, economically timber constructions can be cheaper than other materials like concrete and steel. The economical advantages are as below: 

- Locally available product.

- Ready to install timber products like RTA houses do not require special skilled workers to install it. However, it can be a DIY which can be done by anyone.

- Timber pre fab house are cheaper, less waste and shorter construction duration.

- Trending new modern look.

- Sustainable material.

Timber Is a new trending material in construction industry which has a potential bright future. It can be the sustainable construction solution for the future. Architects can play a huge role in utilizing timber in the best way and come up with new innovations. 

“Spend some time to go into the forest. Imagine 20 - 30 story trees standing alone.” Assoc. Prof. Ar Meor Mohammed Fared, Dep of Architecture, UPM.

Traditional Malay Timber House