Durabilidad de los materiales naturales de construcción: Percepciones de proyectistas, constructores y usuarios en Florianópolis-Brasil

Abstract

This exploratory qualitative research sought to understand the perception of designers, builders, and users about the durability of buildings made with natural materials. The participants of this research were professionals and users from the city of Florianópolis, Brazil. The data was collected through in-depth interviews and analyzed using the content analysis technique. The results evidence an interest in a more sustainable lifestyle, the relationship between the durability of these constructions and user needs, the quality of the architectural project and the difficulty of guaranteeing quality by underdeveloped productive chains, as well as the inexperience of people regarding adequate construction techniques and maintenance. This paper offers approaches to understand the sustainability and durability of natural materials and presents professional practices as well as some guidelines to continue the research in this field.