A South African case for mass timber

摘要

When we consider timber construction in South Africa, the general public think of a 'wendy house'. Perceptions are truly the biggest hindrance in the timber construction space. Is timber biosafe? Will it survive an insect attack? Surely it can burn down? We need to be rethinking the way we use timber because it is no longer a material that is just suitable for small structures, or parts of a structure. It has already become material used in the entire structure and body of many buildings. Timber in South Africa has been seen as an inferior material, but in fact it is a great material. We have an incredible forestry sector in South Africa, and we have very good institutions who are watching what is being built and how it's being built.