Barriers hindering acceptance of earth construction in the urban context of the United Kingdom

Mohammad Sharif Zami*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

6 Scopus citations

Abstract

Earth material is environmentally more sustainable than traditional building materials, such as bricks and blocks. The benefits of earth construction are multiple, especially with regard to the uniqueness as a way of preserving the artisanship and cultural values of architectural heritage. Unfortunately, construction professionals in the United Kingdom are unfamiliar with many aspects of earthen architecture. A number of interrelated barriers inhibit the acceptance of earth-based material and make it an unpopular choice among construction professionals in the UK. The aim of this study is to develop an understanding of such barriers by identifying and analysing them in light of perceptions held across societies, cultures, and acceptability among professionals. To get to the aim, an interpretivist philosophical stance was taken in this research and a critical analysis of up-to-date literature on various barriers was carried out. The Delphi technique and in-depth interviews were then overseen to substantiate which barriers hindering the acceptability of earth-based material in UK urban construction. A series of interconnected barriers such as, absence of supply chain networks, prejudicial conflict, reticence to changing familiar methods of construction as well as lack of knowledge, skill, and training were identified by experts as the key factors hindering the acceptability of earth-based construction material in the UK.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)941-958
Number of pages18
JournalArchitectural Engineering and Design Management
Volume18
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - 2022

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2021 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.

Keywords

  • Barriers
  • acceptability
  • earth construction
  • environmental sustainability
  • hinder
  • urban

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Architecture
  • Building and Construction
  • General Business, Management and Accounting

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