1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background of Study
Timber has been a fundamental building material throughout human history, widely used in traditional architecture across various cultures due to its availability, versatility, and workability. In many African societies, including those in Nigeria, timber was traditionally employed for both structural and aesthetic purposes in the construction of homes, public buildings, and religious structures (Olotuah & Adesola, 2017). Indigenous communities in regions such as Benue State have historically relied on timber not only because of its local abundance but also because it suited the climatic conditions by offering natural cooling and thermal regulation.
The continuous evolution of the construction industry, especially in regions with distinct climatic challenges, has necessitated the re-evaluation of traditional and contemporary building materials. Among these, timber stands out due to its renewable nature, low embodied energy, and favorable thermal properties, which make it particularly relevant in hot climate regions (Olufemi & Adebayo, 2019). Timber, when properly sourced and treated, serves not only as a sustainable alternative to conventional materials such as concrete and steel but also as an aesthetically pleasing and thermally efficient material in building construction (Badejo, 2020).
Nwankwo et al. (2021) reported that in hot climate regions such as Benue State, Nigeria, high temperatures, intense solar radiation, and high humidity are environmental factors that significantly affect indoor thermal comfort and building performance. The choice of construction materials, especially external materials, is crucial in mediating the interaction between the building and its environment. Timber has the potential to regulate thermal conditions by acting as a natural insulator, thereby reducing reliance on mechanical cooling systems and contributing to energy efficiency (Nwankwo et al., 2021). In addition, the unregulated harvesting of timber poses ecological risks and contributes to deforestation and biodiversity loss in Nigeria and other parts of Sub-Saharan Africa (Ajayi & Fadamiro, 2022).
Timber, also referred to as wood in its processed form, is a natural, renewable, and versatile building material derived from trees. It has been used for centuries in the construction industry due to its structural performance, aesthetic value, and ease of use (Badejo, 2020). In architectural design, especially in tropical and subtropical climates, timber has continued to attract attention for its capacity to regulate temperature, promote environmental sustainability, and reduce the overall carbon footprint of buildings (Olufemi & Adebayo, 2019).
The application of timber as an external material in building construction is both promising and complex, particularly in hot climate regions such as Benue State, Nigeria. Benue State, located in the Middle Belt region of Nigeria, experiences high temperatures and significant humidity throughout the year. These climatic conditions necessitate building materials that can effectively moderate internal temperature, withstand weathering, and minimize energy consumption related to cooling systems (Nwankwo et al., 2021). Timber, when properly selected, treated, and maintained, has been found to offer thermal comfort advantages over more conventional materials like concrete or steel (Obi & Ekwe, 2020).
In Nigeria, the adoption of timber in modern construction is further limited by factors such as insufficient technical knowledge, lack of skilled artisans, and inadequate regulatory support (Obi & Ekwe, 2020). However, with the growing emphasis on sustainable development and green architecture, there is a renewed interest in revisiting traditional materials like timber, especially as the construction sector seeks to align with climate-responsive strategies. Benue State, known for its diverse timber species and rich forest reserves, presents a valuable case for exploring both the opportunities and limitations associated with using timber externally in buildings. This study, therefore, aims to assess the viability of timber as an external material in the construction of buildings in this hot climate region.
1.2 Statement of Problems
With my observation and research in building material, I observed that timber as a building material is at low cost. This is to say that timber is the cheaper material in building production, due to high cost of certain materials like aggregates, sand, cement and roofing sheets.
Cost comparisons are difficult to make between timber frame and other construction materials. Actual constructions costs are probably a few percentage points higher for a typical timber frame over brick and block, architects and builders less experienced in timber frame construction tend to increase their prices to compensate for the extra time needed to ensure that the design is correct. This project is a comprehensive study of timber to ascertain the suitability of timber and usefulness as a building material.
Generally, despite the numerous contributions of timber to the construction companies, there is still lot of problems associated with the use of timber in construction. Some of these problems are lack of knowledge in timber treatment methods, non-availability of standard timber connector. Cost effectiveness in the usage of timber, non conformity of timber available in market and many other problems associated with the use of timber as an external material in building production in hot climate.
1.3 Purpose of the Study
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the potential and challenges associated with the use of timber as an external material in building construction within hot climate regions, focusing on Benue State. It seeks to explore timber’s performance, durability, sustainability, and acceptability among construction stakeholders, while also identifying the constraints limiting its usage in modern architectural practices.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of the Study
Aim:
The main aim of this study is to investigate the potential and issues of using timber as an external material in the construction of buildings in hot climate regions, with specific reference to Benue State.
Objectives:
In achieving the above stated aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To examine the performance of timber as an external building material in hot climate conditions.
- To identify the major challenges associated with using timber externally in buildings in Benue State.
- To evaluate the level of awareness and acceptance of timber use among construction professionals.
- To assess the environmental and economic implications of increased timber usage.
- To recommend strategies for enhancing the use of timber as an external material in climate-responsive construction.
1.5 Research Questions
Based on the objectives of the study, the following research questions have been formulated:
- How does timber perform as an external material under hot climate conditions in Benue State?
- What are the key challenges associated with using timber externally in building construction?
- What is the level of awareness and acceptance of timber among architects, builders, and engineers?
- What are the environmental and economic implications of using timber extensively in construction?
- What strategies can enhance the safe and sustainable use of timber as an external material?
1.6 Significance of Study
This research work will benefit so many people, the people who will benefit from this work are:
- To serve as source of information to building clients, building, designers, students and several others.
- The contractors will benefits immensely from this from this work, as the work will expose them to the problems and prospects of timber as an external material in building production in hot climate.
- The study would be significant to students who might wish to use it as a basis for further research; it will serve as a board from which further research might take off. The data already gathered and documented in this project will serve as a source of information to students as well serve a reference material in their class room work.
- The work will equally be of great importance to individual citizens of the country who would like to know more about the problem and prospects of timber as an external material in building production in hot climate.
1.7 Scope of Study
This study focuses on Benue State, Nigeria, with particular attention to construction activities in urban centers such as Makurdi. It will assess building projects that utilize timber as an external material and gather data from stakeholders including architects, engineers, builders, and regulatory authorities. The study will also consider local timber industries and environmental factors relevant to the region.
1.8 Limitations of the Study
Several limitations were encountered during the course of this study, which may have influenced the results and conclusions.
- Time Constraints: A study of this nature needs relatively long time during which information for accurate or at least near accurate inference could be drawn. The period of the study was short, time posed as constraints to the research.
- Financial Constraints: The research would have extended the survey to other area at the empirical level, but limitation as included cost of transportation to the source of material and the cost of time setting of the already completed work.
- Lack of Cooperation: Many of the respondents are usually aggressive on issue that border cooperation among the respondents border.
- Response Bias: The study will involve surveys and interviews with cooperative managers and members. Response bias may occur if respondents provide socially desirable answers or if there is reluctance to disclose negative financial information due to privacy concerns or fear of repercussions.
1.9 Definition of Terms
Timber:
Timber refers to processed wood used for construction and carpentry purposes. It can be used in structural, aesthetic, and insulating capacities. In this study, timber specifically means wood used on the external surfaces of buildings (Badejo, 2020).
External Building Material:
These are materials applied to the outer part of buildings to protect against weather and provide aesthetics. They include timber, bricks, concrete, and cladding systems (Olufemi & Adebayo, 2019).
Hot Climate Region:
A geographic area characterized by high temperatures, intense solar radiation, and in many cases, high humidity. Benue State falls within this category, with temperatures often exceeding 35°C (Nwankwo et al., 2021).
Thermal Performance:
This refers to the ability of a material or structure to resist heat flow and maintain comfortable indoor temperatures. Timber is known for its low thermal conductivity, which reduces heat transmission (Obi & Ekwe, 2020).
Sustainability:
The ability to use resources without depleting them or harming the environment. Sustainable use of timber involves responsible forestry practices and long-lasting building design (Ajayi & Fadamiro, 2022).
Durability:
The capacity of a material to withstand environmental wear, decay, and degradation over time. For timber, this involves resistance to rot, insects, and moisture (Ilesanmi & Uduak, 2018).
Climate-Responsive Architecture:
A design approach that considers the local climate in building orientation, material selection, and structure to improve energy efficiency and occupant comfort (Olufemi & Adebayo, 2019).
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