Shang, G; Pheng, L S and Fai, B P K (2025) Receptiveness of mass-engineered timber (MET) residential buildings among young stakeholders. Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, 14(3), pp. 696-714. ISSN 2046-6099
Abstract
Purpose: Traditional construction materials and methodologies are often perceived to be unproductive, labour-intensive and detrimental to the environment. Mass-engineered timber (MET) is a new structural material that is capable of overcoming numerous issues that otherwise affect the built environment. This study was formulated to assess the current attitude and perception of young Singaporeans towards the concept of Engineered Timber Residential Buildings (ETRBs). Design/methodology/approach: The study employs the mixed-method approach. Questionnaires were used as the primary mode of data gathering. These were disseminated to Singaporeans between the age of 18 and 35 years. A total of 179 valid responses were gathered. Semi-structured interviews were subsequently conducted with six individuals with different demographics in order to gain further insightful opinions and to allow cross validation of responses. Findings: Statistical analysis revealed that 80% of respondents were willing to accept ETRBs, but a lack of awareness and knowledge of MET and the presence of misconceptions, such as an association with deforestation, may present concerns. The study also revealed that individual acceptance of ETRBs is not affected by demographics. Originality/value: The production of MET involves lower overall carbon emissions than that of conventional materials, and this also allows adoption of the Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DfMA) concept and offers the benefit of carbon sequestration. Residential buildings are the second most common building type in Singapore; significant benefits can be gained if MET is used as the primary material for residential buildings. In general, young stakeholders in Singapore welcome the concept of ETRBs, despite possessing uncertainties about ETRBs—understandable given that the material lacks a track record of usage. Public authorities are thus advised to explore the feasibility of materialising the concept of ETRBs as an option for public housing.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | awareness; engineered timber residential buildings; mass-engineered timber; Singapore; willingness to purchase |
| Index terms: | Singapore, residential building, carbon emission, traditional construction, statistical analysis, built environment, deforestation, presence, public housing, demographics, option, public authority, interview, sequestration, methodology, questionnaire, validation |
| Subjects: | environmental science, climate science, environmental impact, construction type, heritage and conservation, demography, Geography, research methods, data science, data collection methods, administrative law, infrastructure and transport systems, decision analysis, professional development |
| Topics: | Sustainability, Risk Management, Geographical Context, Legal Issues, Construction Technology, Information Management, Research Practice, Urban Studies, Design Practice |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
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