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Sweden Is All Set To Build The World's Largest Wooden City by 2027, The Stockholm Wood City

A development company in Stockholm, has secured an ambitious contract to build an entire city borough using only timber.
PUBLISHED JUL 13, 2023
Architectural model. Source: Getty Images/Peter Macdiarmid
Architectural model. Source: Getty Images/Peter Macdiarmid

Atrium Ljunberg, a development company in Stockholm, has secured an ambitious contract to build an entire city borough using timber. In doing so, they aim to address the imbalance within the existing urban landscape. According to the press release, the groundbreaking project, known as Stockholm Wood City, will cover 25 blocks and feature 30 sustainable mass timber buildings in what is presently an old industrial zone. The development aims to produce a sustainable and well-balanced environment, generating 7000 new offices and 2000 new homes.

Construction is scheduled to commence in 2025, with the first buildings expected to be completed by 2027. The project represents more than just a demonstration of Swedish woodworking and sustainability; it marks a pivotal restructuring of the urban landscape, addressing the disconnect between residential and office areas, as most people reside south of the historic center while most offices are located to the north. Annica Ånäs, CEO of Atrium Ljunberg, in the report, said, "We are proud to introduce Stockholm Wood City.

The Kid's Castle at Central Park Playground, which is made from pressure-treated wood. Source: William Thomas Cain/Getty Images
The Kid's Castle at Central Park Playground which is made from pressure-treated wood. Source: Getty Images/William Thomas Cain

This is not only an important step for us as a company, but a historic milestone for Swedish innovation capability," she continued, "Stockholm Wood City manifests our future. From tenants, there is a strong demand for innovative, sustainable solutions-a demand that we meet with this initiative." 

Wooden construction has become a prominent subject of conversation today, although most completed projects have been limited to individual buildings or small clusters. The New European Bauhaus and other initiatives have advocated for greater adoption of wooden construction, yet traditional norms and beliefs have hindered progress. The benefits of wooden buildings are manifold, benefiting both the environment and human health and wellness. Research studies indicate that wooden structures offer improved air quality, reduced levels of stress, enhanced productivity, and even act as carbon sinks, depositing carbon dioxide over their lifespan.

A worker carrying lumber. Source: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
A worker carrying lumber. Source: Getty Images/Justin Sullivan

The initial use of wood in the construction of big buildings can be traced back to the 1990s, when cross-laminated timber, also referred to as "mass timber," was introduced. This innovative construction material utilizes advanced machinery to combine multiple lumber boards, resulting in a more robust and durable material that tolerates significantly larger loads and forces. Furthermore, advancements in technology have allowed for additional treatments that enhance the fire resistance of this specialized type of timber. The project also has numerous environmental advantages. By prioritizing office spaces, the aim is to take into account the shortage of workplaces in the southern part of Stockholm's city center, reducing commuting distances for more people.

Given Sweden's strong focus on energy supply and efficiency, the project will prioritize self-generated, stored, and shared energy. The company's goal is to create a paradigm shift in urban development by investing in resource-efficient construction methods and creating circular material flows. In doing so, they become a stimulant for innovation, following in the footsteps of their Swedish counterparts in the technology, manufacturing, and retail industries.

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