Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/1333960
70 Understanding the project e design process Understanding the space Organising the space e human interface Sustainable design Communicating design Understanding building structures Materials for construction In the same way that new ideas about buildings bring new methods of construction, they also inspire new materials. e range of materials that may be utilised during the construction process is much wider today then even a couple of decades ago, yet there remains a core of enduring materials, some of which have been around for centuries, which in one form or another account for the majority of building materials consumed. Timber Timber is a very convenient material to use for construction. It is easy to transport and handle, and generally easy and forgiving to work with. ere are two categories: hardwood and so wood. It should be understood that these names are not intended to describe the actual properties of the timber; rather they refer to its origin. So wood is predominantly from coniferous trees such as larch, pine and spruce, and o en farmed in managed forests. It is generally used for construction (for example, light timber frames) and therefore usually hidden from view. However, it can be used decoratively, too. Hardwood species are broadleaved trees such as oak, ash, walnut and teak. ey are most o en used decoratively for fl oors, furniture and interior fi ings. Hardwoods are sometimes farmed from sustainable sources, but tropical hardwoods such as teak, iroko and wenge are vulnerable to illegal logging operations in their native forest habitats and several species are recognised internationally as being either endangered or critically endangered as a result. A responsible designer will check the status of timber species before specifying. Raw timber can be processed into products such as plywood, chipboard and fi breboard. ese materials retain many of the desirable properties of timber, such as their workability, but overcome some of the problems, imperfections and natural defects that may manifest themselves when using natural timber. ey are sometimes used for construction, but can be used for furniture manufacture and may be on display. If used in this way, clients may see them as inferior or fake, but they are valid materials to use, especially in contemporary schemes, and their benefi ts can make them the most appropriate material choices in many situations.