Use of wood in sustainable architecture

Abstract

Research background: Importance of wood as a sustainable and renewable material presumed its large scale use in architectural structures for centuries. In order to analyze the potential of prospective application of wood in build environment in Bulgaria it is instrumental to investigate the regional specifics in historical development of wooden structures in traditional building practices of the Mediterranean region and in particular on Balkan region.

Purpose: Understanding the evolution of building practices and identification of sustainable approaches. Many traditional building practices that involve the use of wood are inherently sustainable, incorporating low-impact and resource-efficient techniques. A historical review of the use of wood in architecture can identify these sustainable practices and help us learn from them. A historical review of the use of wood in architecture can provide insight into the stages of development of wooden structures over time and reveals specifics of use of wood according to different cultures and how the technology for working with wood has evolved over time.

Methods: Historical overview of traditional building practices and their potential prospective applicability.

Findings and novelty: The use of Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) and Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) methods to assess the performance of timber structures in the development of the built environment reveal the great potential of wooden structures for prospective use.