In a remarkable initiative towards sustainable urban development, Scandinavian studios Henning Larsen and White Arkitekter have unveiled their visionary project, Stockholm Wood City. Set to be constructed in the Sickla neighborhood of Stockholm, this groundbreaking development aims to become the world's largest mass-timber development and is poised to redefine the urban landscape with its harmonious integration of nature and architecture.
Dubbed the "world's largest wooden city" by developer Atrium Ljungberg, Stockholm Wood City will utilize more timber than any other ongoing project, comprising an impressive 7,000 office spaces and 2,000 homes across a sprawling area of 250,000 square meters. The Danish studio Henning Larsen and Swedish firm White Arkitekter are at the helm of the design, envisioning a sustainable urban environment that exudes the serenity of a forest.
Inspired by Scandinavian design principles, Atrium Ljungberg aimed to create a dense, open space that embraces the essence of a forest while maintaining a minimalist and functional aesthetic. The project incorporates nature-informed elements, such as green roofs for enhanced insulation and large windows that flood the interiors with natural light. This holistic approach reflects their vision of a city that thrives in harmony with nature, fostering a sense of well-being and sustainability.
What sets Stockholm Wood City apart is its extensive use of fire-proofed mass timber as the primary construction material. Engineered wood not only offers structural strength but also contributes to a safer environment by forming a protective char layer on its surface. By choosing wood over concrete, the project showcases the advantages of timber construction, including reduced climate impact throughout the entire lifecycle of the buildings. Furthermore, research has shown that wooden cities promote improved well-being among residents and enable faster and quieter construction processes.
Beyond its sustainable material choice, Stockholm Wood City will prioritize self-produced, stored, and shared energy systems. While specific details about the project's energy production are yet to be revealed, Atrium Ljungberg aims to establish a resilient and eco-friendly energy infrastructure within the development, further enhancing its sustainability credentials.
The eagerly anticipated project is scheduled to break ground in 2025, with the first buildings expected to be completed by 2027. Atrium Ljungberg intends to implement a phased approach to construction, allowing for continuous learning and improvement throughout each stage. By developing large interconnected areas, the project seeks to create diverse and vibrant spaces that foster a sense of community and inspire people to engage actively in the urban environment.
Stockholm Wood City is part of a global movement towards sustainable urban development aligned with the vision of a global society embodied in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It addresses multiple SDGs, including Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by promoting eco-friendly and livable urban spaces, Goal 13 (Climate Action) through its reduced carbon footprint and climate-conscious design, and Goal 15 (Life on Land) by integrating nature-based elements and preserving the essence of a forest.
This transformative project highlights the potential of civil society, design professionals, and developers working together to create sustainable urban environments that prioritize the well-being of both people and the planet. As the world witnesses the rise of wooden cities, Stockholm Wood City stands as a testament to the possibilities of sustainable architecture and sets a new standard for future urban development.
More information: https://edition.cnn.com/style/worlds-largest-wood-city-to-be-built-in-stockholm/index.html
Vimeo credits: @atriumljungberg