ACCEPTANCE LEVEL OF MASS-ENGINEERED TIMBER (MET) RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS AMONG YOUNG SINGAPOREANS: BARRIERS AND DRIVERS

Abstract

Traditional construction materials and methodologies are often perceived to be hazardous, labour intensive, unproductive and detrimental to the environment. Mass Engineered Timber (MET) is a new structural material that is capable of overcoming the built environment’s multifaceted issues. As compared to conventional materials, the production of MET reduces the overall carbon emissions. It also enables the adoption of the Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DfMA) concept and offers the benefit of carbon sequestration. With residential buildings being the second most common building type in Singapore, significant benefits can be yielded if MET is used as the primary material for residential buildings. This study was formulated to assess the current attitude and perception of young Singaporeans towards the concept of Engineered Timber Residential Buildings (ETRBs) and to investigate the drivers and barriers influencing individuals’ acceptance level of ETRBs. Thereafter, recommendations to drive the acceptance level of ETRBs were proposed. This study employed the mixed method approach consisting of quantitative and qualitative analyses. Questionnaires were developed and used as the primary mode of data gathering. These were disseminated to Singaporeans between the age of 18 to 35 years old via both messaging and social media platforms. A total of 179 valid responses were gathered. Semi-structured interviews were subsequently conducted with six individuals with different demographics to gain further insightful opinions and to allow the cross-validation of responses. Statistical analyses revealed that 80% of respondents were willing to accept ETRBs. In total, 17 factors driving the acceptance level of ETRBs and 11 barriers inhibiting the acceptance of the material were successfully identified. The former revolves around the potential for cost-saving, attaining awareness and knowledge about MET, assurance of fire performance and potential health benefits. The latter includes factors regarding the maintainability of developments, cost increments associated with the use of the material and the lack of awareness and knowledge about MET. This study concludes that an individual’s acceptance level of ETRBs is dependent on drivers and barriers that contribute to the Perceived Usefulness (PU) and Perceived Ease of Use (PEU) of ETRBs. Individual demographics appeared to have no effect on the acceptance level of ETRBs. In general, young Singaporeans welcome the concept of ETRBs despite possessing uncertainties about ETRBs due to the lack of previous track records of the material’s usage. Therefore, public authorities are advised to explore the feasibility of materialising the concept of ETRBs as an option for public housing.