The Role and Perception of Architects and Engineers on Timber-Based Architecture – Case of Kosovo

Wood is the only naturally renewable and recyclable building material, consequently wood-based construction is becoming everyday more and more popular due to sustainability advantages that it embraces as well as the new technological innovations which develop high technical performances and new ways of application of timber in architecture. The study investigates the role of building community, respectively, architects and engineers involved in design, construction, research and public institutions toward the use of timber as structural material in low-rise architecture (implying timber-based buildings up to four storeys high). Research elaborates the results derived by the conducted quantitative approach, through web-based survey of the targeted group in order to provide an overview on the influence and perception of the building community towards the use of timber in construction with regard to different timber attributes. Subsequently, the level of professionals’ interest on acquiring more information on timber application and identifying perceived barriers for using timber are indicated. The study confirms a perceived lack of confidence in timber application, partially due to identified barriers such as lack of experience and technical knowledge, national building code, fire safety etc. However, aspects such as architectural expression, structural performance, flexibility, construction time, environmental impact etc. are perceived highly both by architects and engineers.