ABSTRACT

Until the introduction of steel construction at the beginning of the

industrial revolution, timber was the only material with which a com-

plete structural framework could be built. Timber unites qualities such

as lightness, strength and elasticity. Compared with its weight, it is

50%stronger than steel. It ismore hygienic than other similar materials

– the growth of bacteria on kitchen benches of timber is lower than that

on benches of plastic or stainless steel. Timber also has low thermal

conductivity. On the other hand, the high carbon content of plant

materials makes them combustible and more susceptible to biological

decay.