A City Made of Wood: Sweden’s 2027 Construction Ambition

In the famous film from the 90s, Robinson Crusoe killed his friend and took to the seas to escape persecution. 

But fate had other things planned for him. He ended up stranded on an island on his own. So he had to forage for food, build his own shelter with whatever material he could find, and live in a tree house. 

It would be absurd to willingly want to live in a house built of trees in a metropolitan and advanced city; you would think, right?

But that’s precisely what Sweden plans to do in 2025. It plans to build the world’s largest wooden city!

So who’s behind this ambitious plan, and should other countries take note?

Let’s dive into the origin of the “Sweden 2027 construction project” and how it might transform the future of construction.

The Origin of the Stockholm Wood City

Sweden being the country to introduce the world’s biggest wooden city isn’t a surprise. Over the years, it has been at the forefront of green initiatives, setting an example for other nations.

And with the European Green Deal emphasizing the importance of sustainable solutions, Sweden is becoming a big example of how it can make once-impossible visions come to life.

Introducing Stockholm wood city to citizens around the world and sharing future images is one thing, and sourcing all the wood is another. Most people are concerned about extensive deforestation in the country.

But one crucial aspect of this ambitious project lies in Sweden’s extensive forests. 

The nation has a rich abundance of woodlands, covering approximately 70% of its land area. This vast expanse of forest not only contributes to Sweden’s unique landscape and provides a renewable resource that can be harnessed for sustainable construction.

Wood has been a traditional building material in Sweden for centuries, utilized in constructing everything from rural cabins to elegant city structures. 

There has been a growing global interest in using wood as a sustainable alternative to carbon-intensive materials like concrete and steel in recent years. 

The concept of “mass timber” has gained popularity, which involves using engineered wood products like cross-laminated timber (CLT) to create sturdy and environmentally friendly buildings.

The idea of creating an entire city predominantly from wood gained momentum in Sweden due to the urgency of addressing climate change and the desire to showcase the country’s eco-friendly practices on a grand scale. 

As urbanization continues, so does the environmental impact of traditional construction methods. 

By committing to a city made of wood, Sweden aims to demonstrate that large-scale urban development can coexist harmoniously with nature and significantly reduce its carbon footprint.

The Team Behind the Wooden City Project

The leading teams behind this project are Scandinavian studios Henning Larsen and White Arkitekter. And the Swedish real estate company, Atrium Ljungberg, will provide the needed space for construction.

The construction of the first buildings is planned to be completed by 2027. The city district is expected to have around 7000 office spaces and 2,000 houses, covering 250,000 square meters.

Based on the developer’s claims, the inner city buildings will have greener rooftops to sequester carbon and large windows to let in natural light.

Additionally, the project received support from various stakeholders, including government authorities, architects, engineers, environmentalists, and citizens. 

What Are the Pros and Cons of Having a Wooden City?

The Chicago Fire of 1871 is a testament to the dangerous power of fire to destroy a whole city in hours. The city burned in flames killing around 300 people and leaving one-third of its population homeless.

So before all construction project managers jump on the sustainability bandwagon, it’s essential to analyze the pros and cons of creating this type of urban living.

Building a city predominantly from wood offers several advantages and disadvantages, as outlined below:

Pros:

1. Sustainability: Wood is a renewable resource, and using it as the primary building material reduces the carbon footprint of the city. This helps combat climate change and promotes environmental sustainability.
2. Lower Carbon Emissions: Wood-based construction materials typically produce lower carbon emissions than traditional materials like concrete and steel. This contributes to a more eco-friendly city.
3. Energy Efficiency: Wood has natural insulating properties, which can lead to better energy efficiency in buildings. Wooden structures can help reduce heating and cooling needs, resulting in lower energy consumption.
4. Aesthetics and Warmth: Wood adds a natural and warm aesthetic to the cityscape, creating a more inviting and comforting urban environment.
5. Modularity and Prefabrication: Mass timber construction, such as CLT, allows for modular and prefabricated building components, which can expedite construction timelines and reduce waste.
6. Seismic Performance: Wooden structures can have excellent seismic performance, making them suitable for earthquake-prone areas.
7. Job Creation: The shift towards wood construction can create new job opportunities in the forestry and timber industries.

Cons:

1. Fire Risk: Wooden buildings are more susceptible to fire compared to those made of non-combustible materials like concrete or steel. Adequate fire safety measures must be implemented to mitigate this risk.
2. Durability and Maintenance: Wood requires regular maintenance and protection against pests, rot, and decay. Without proper upkeep, wooden buildings may have a shorter lifespan than structures made from other materials.
3. Limited Height: While advances in mass timber technology have allowed for taller wooden buildings, there are still limitations on the height of wooden structures compared to steel or concrete skyscrapers.
4. Cost: Wood construction, especially using innovative techniques, may currently be more expensive than traditional methods. However, as technology advances and demand increases, costs may decrease.
5. Water Sensitivity: Wood can be sensitive to water, which may lead to swelling, warping, or decay if exposed to moisture over extended periods.
6. Limited Availability of Skilled Labor: The adoption of mass timber construction may require specialized skills that might not be readily available in all regions.
7. Perception and Resistance: Some individuals or communities may resist the idea of a wooden city due to concerns about fire risks or the perception that wood is a less durable or modern building material.

It is essential to weigh these pros and cons carefully when considering the construction of a wooden city. 

A balanced approach that addresses potential challenges while leveraging the benefits of sustainability and eco-friendliness can lead to the successful realization of this ambitious project.

Considering Wood as an Alternative to Steel for Construction Projects

The advantages of wood, such as its renewable nature, lower carbon emissions, and energy efficiency, align harmoniously with the pressing need to combat climate change and reduce our environmental impact.

While wooden structures offer undeniable benefits, it is essential to acknowledge the challenges, including fire risk, durability, and maintenance requirements. Addressing these concerns through innovative fire safety measures, proper maintenance protocols, and ongoing research and development can pave the way for more resilient and long-lasting wooden buildings.

Moreover, the rising popularity of mass timber construction techniques, like cross-laminated timber (CLT), opens up exciting possibilities for taller and more intricate wooden structures, expanding the realm of architectural creativity while retaining the warmth and aesthetics wood brings to the urban landscape.

As cities worldwide strive to embrace sustainability and ecologically conscious practices, considering wood as a viable alternative to steel is a testament to our commitment to a greener future. 

By carefully weighing the pros and cons, and with continuous advancements in technology and construction practices, we can confidently embrace wood’s potential, forging a path towards a more resilient and environmentally-conscious built environment.