STOCKHOLM.- Stockholm Wood City, the world's largest urban construction project in wood, has been announced by the Swedish real estate company Atrium Ljungberg. Set to commence in 2025, the first buildings are scheduled to be completed by 2027.
Encompassing an impressive area of over 60 acres, Stockholm Wood City will offer 7,000 office spaces and 2,000 homes in Sickla, located in the southern parts of the capital city of Stockholm. The project will create a dynamic urban setting with a mix of workplaces, housing, restaurants, and shops.
Given that buildings contribute up to 40% of global CO2 emissions, the real estate industry plays a vital role in driving the shift towards sustainability, and this visionary project showcases the potential of renewable building materials. Working with wood can reduce the climate impact of buildings by up to 50% while significantly decreasing construction time. Also being a renewable and locally sourced material, wood offers immense possibilities for sustainable urbanization and development. Research studies indicate that wooden buildings enhance air quality, reduce stress, increase productivity, and store carbon dioxide over their lifespan.
Stockholm Wood City incorporates additional environmental benefits by addressing the shortage of workplaces south of Stockholm's inner city, thus reducing commuting times. The project focuses on self-produced, stored, and shared energy, aligning with Sweden's national agenda on energy supply and efficiency.
Sweden Already Home to One of the Tallest Wood Buildings in the World
In an extraordinary addition to its architectural landscape, the northern city of Skellefteå unveiled Sara Cultural Center and The Wood Hotel in 2021, one of the tallest timber buildings in the world standing at over 260 feet tall. All the timber utilized was sourced locally, reducing the need for transportation, and minimizing its carbon footprint. Throughout Sweden, an increasing number of high-rise structures are being constructed using wood, as part of the nation's commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2045—an overarching climate goal. However, while tall wooden buildings hold symbolic importance, it is the proliferation of wooden houses and structures that truly contributes to lower environmental and climate impacts.
Sweden’s Commitment to Sustainable Architecture
Sweden, known for its vast forests that cover approximately 70% of the country's area, understands the importance of responsible forest management. For every tree cut down, at least two new ones are planted, ensuring the continuous availability of materials for construction and other sustainable applications such as fuel, heat, fabric, and packaging. Swedish architects embrace the timeless and renewable nature of wood, combining it with the latest technological advancements to create innovative structures that reduce construction time significantly. The strength and lightness of wood enable vertical construction in existing urban environments, allowing for the expansion of buildings and the integration of timber-on-top infills and other inventive techniques.
Experience the Serenity of Sustainable Wood Buildings in Sweden
Nestled on the picturesque hillside of Åsberget Mountain, the unique hotel Bergaliv offers not only a place to stay but also a stunning vista point for the breathtaking landscapes and skies of northern Sweden. Bergaliv Lofthusen features three rooms stacked on top of each other on an abandoned ski slope, creating a distinct architectural marvel. The nature room is closest to the ground, followed by the living area, which is the only heated space, and finally, the vista point at the top. Each morning, guests can indulge in a delicious breakfast featuring bread from a local baker. Just down the hill is Orbaden Spa offering a range of treatments, including saunas, mineral-salt baths, and heated outdoor and indoor pools. In recognition of its innovative design, Bergaliv Lofthusen was nominated for the prestigious Swedish Wood Award in 2020.
Combining nature and innovation, The Wood Hotel, housed in one the world’s tallest wood buildings Sara Cultural Center, showcases the best of Scandinavian design. Constructed with locally sourced wood, the hotel emphasizes sustainability and takes responsibility for both guests and the planet. The Wood Hotel offers an impressive panoramic view of Skellefteå and boasts 205 modern rooms and suites, three restaurants, bars, as well as a rooftop spa. The interior draws inspiration from the cozy atmosphere of a mountain cabin and the timeless craft tradition.
For a truly extraordinary stay, Arctic Bath offers a floating hotel experience inspired by the timber-floating era. The main building resembles a log jam, and the construction utilizes local materials with minimal environmental impact. The hotel consists of 12 rooms, six of which are floating cabins near the water's edge, accessible via a foot bridge. These cabins provide private access and feature outside wooden decks, perfect for basking under the midnight summer sun or marveling at the northern lights. The remaining six cabins are elevated on the tree-lined shore, with three accommodating up to five guests and three luxurious suites designed for two people. Each room at Arctic Bath is thoughtfully designed with comfort and luxury in mind, incorporating elements of the surrounding nature.
