A Review-Based Comparative Study of Laminates and PVC as Kitchen Cabinet Finishing Materials in Residential Architecture in Bahria Town Lahore.

Abstract

Interior finishing materials have a major influence on the environmental performance within a residential building because of their durability and end-of-life disposal. The kitchen is the most heavily utilized space in residential buildings, and is constantly subjected to heat, moisture, grease and mechanical stress, which can cause materials to degrade and consume resources throughout a building's life. The global socio-economic changes have completely changed the domestic kitchen from a gendered and utilitarian space to the multi-functional social centre of the modern home, and the modern lifestyle changes have further increased the use of the kitchen, making it a space of shared activity, rather than a feminine domain, as cooking is no longer a feminine identity. This increased demand puts a critical need on the choice of long-lasting and sustainable kitchen cabinet finishing materials. This study compares the use of laminates and PVC foam board as kitchen cabinet finishes in the context of the fast growing residential community of Bahria Town, Lahore, where moisture infiltration and termite infestation are constant problems to the longevity of materials. The study is conducted using a mixed-methods design, which involves semi-structured interviews with two focus groups of retailers and suppliers along Multan Road and architects who are actively involved in the construction of buildings in Bahria Town, in addition to the review of academic literature and Life Cycle Assessment documentation. The results show that although laminates are the most popular choice because they are inexpensive and familiar to clients, they have significant moisture and termite resistance issues. However, PVC foam board has a better life cycle durability and sustainability story, but is not widely used because of lack of awareness and cost sensitivity among clients. The study findings indicate that professional guidance and client education can be a valuable tool to help promote the use of PVC as a more durable and sustainable finishing material for residential kitchen cabinetry.