A visionary contract awaits a Stockholm development company – the creation of an entire city borough constructed entirely from lumber, with a commitment to sustainability, aiming to restore balance to an unbalanced city.
Dubbed “Stockholm Wood City,” this ambitious project will span 25 blocks and feature 30 sustainable mass timber buildings, accommodating 7,000 offices and 2,000 homes. Construction is scheduled to commence in 2025, with the first buildings expected to be completed by 2027.
Beyond showcasing Swedish woodworking expertise and promoting sustainability, Stockholm Wood City represents a crucial restructuring of the urban landscape. Currently, a majority of residents live south of the historic center, while most offices are situated to the north. This development seeks to bridge the gap and create a more harmonious living and working environment.
The driving force behind this project is Atrium Ljungberg, a development company that fully embraces the concept of a “15-minute city,” where everything a person needs is within a 15-minute walking distance from their front door. This vision aligns perfectly with their commitment to fostering a sustainable and interconnected community.
“We are proud to introduce Stockholm Wood City. This is not only an important step for us as a company, but a historic milestone for Swedish innovation capability,” Annica Ånäs, CEO of Atrium Ljungberg, said in a statement he recently made.
“From tenants, there is a strong demand for innovative, sustainable solutions—a demand that we meet with this initiative.”
In the 1990s, the construction of large buildings took a significant leap forward with the introduction of cross-laminated timber, commonly known as “mass timber.” This innovative technique involved bonding multiple boards of lumber using advanced machinery, resulting in timber capable of bearing substantial loads and forces. Moreover, this special type of lumber was rendered fire-resistant through various applications.
The company claims that living near wooden buildings enhances well-being by reducing stress and improving focus, though they haven’t provided specific references to supporting studies.
However, one undeniable advantage they offer is a substantial reduction in CO2 emissions. Compared to cement and steel, which are the primary contributors to carbon dioxide emissions in manufacturing, mass timber emits significantly less. In fact, the combined emissions of cement and steel production are over 10 times greater than those from air travel.
The timber that was used has been harvested in Sweden, made into CLT, and then erected in the city of Stockholm.
“Our industry leaves a big mark, and it is important for us to make a positive difference in both the shorter and longer term,” Ånäs also stated. “The new development will create a dense, green city area with circular and sustainable principles built into the whole ecosystem.”
Sweden has recently constructed the world’s tallest wooden skyscraper, showcasing the immense potential of mass timber. This impressive achievement stands as a tangible and eco-friendly invitation to cities worldwide, demonstrating to everyone else that there are infinite possibilities of sustainable construction.
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