STOCKHOLM WOOD CITY

What is it? Stockholm Wood City

Where is it? Sickla district, Stockholm, Sweden

Cost: Estimated US$1.4 billion

Project completion: First buildings expected by 2027; full completion within ten years from construction start

Developers: Atrium Ljungberg

Design: Henning Larsen and White

Did you know? Sweden is one of the world’s largest exporters of sawn timber, with approximately 80% of its wood products exported globally

IMAGES COURTESY ATRIUM LJUNGBERG

S tockholm, Sweden, is set to host the world’s largest urban wooden construction project, known as Stockholm Wood City.

Located in the southern district of Sickla, located southeast of Stockholm’s city centre, this ambitious development spans 250,000m2 and aims to create a modern urban environment featuring a mix of workplaces, housing, restaurants and shops, made from primarily timber materials.

The project will introduce an additional 7,000 office spaces and 2,000 homes to the area, addressing the current deficit of workplaces. The choice of wood as the primary construction material is central to the project’s sustainability goals. The developer says wooden buildings offer numerous environmental benefits, including reduced CO₂ emissions during both construction and the building’s lifecycle. Project leadership believes wood construction will lead to shortened building times and result in quieter construction sites with fewer heavy transports.

The architectural design of Stockholm Wood City incorporates nature-informed elements that follow the minimalist and functional aesthetics of Scandinavian design. Buildings will feature green roofs for improved insulation and large windows to maximise natural light. The Nordic architecture firms White and Henning Larsen both contributed to the early concept design development for the project. Upon completion, Stockholm Wood City is expected to become a model for sustainable urban development, showcasing innovative design, technology, and a strong collaborative culture. The project hopes to set a new standard for sustainable construction.

Construction is slated to commence this year. The first buildings are expected to complete by 2027. The entire project is scheduled to reach completion within ten years from the start of construction.