AFFORDABLE HOUSING: EXPLORING MASS TIMBER IN HAWAII AS AN ALTERNATIVE BUILDING MATERIAL

Abstract

There is a shortage of affordable housing here in Hawaii, exacerbated by the globalclimate crisis impacting our island. This research will explore rethinking traditional construction methods and materials into an innovative solution to these crises. Mass timber, a sustainable material, is an innovative technology gaining popularity globally due to its renewable yet cost-competitive nature. However, there are many hindrances to deploying it here in Hawaii as a mainstream construction method. It is essential to investigate solutions to some of these issues such as termites, sourcing materials, and code requirements to justify bringing it here. This dissertation is broken up into a research section that explores existing precedents and provisions and a design section that proposes new contributions to these typologies. Many hindrances to creating meaningful, affordable housing developments here in Hawaii are based upon an invasive profit-based development cycle that the architecture and construction industries currently follow. Suppose we look at neo-indigenous solutions to construction through mass timber and decarbonize our buildings and construction methods. In that case, we can significantly decrease a building’s footprint, while providing support to these demographics in need. The underlying essence of this research showcases the versatility, and applicability of mass timber both as a competitive alternative building material and as a soon-to-be viable option here in Hawaii. Alongside the optimistic hope for a paradigm shift, this design and research showcase the potential real-world applications of the material that should be utilized in future mass timber projects here in Hawaii. This will benefit the island both as a means for housing developments to help solve the local housing crisis and as a way to combat climate change and sea level rise.