Stockholm's Wood City - Architects to create a new city of Sustainability

Have you noticed how so many of the best sustainable ideas hail from the Scandi regions of Europe? And this latest project is no exception with Sweden planning the world’s largest wooden city, to be constructed in Stockholm, and spanning over 250,000 square metres. 

Developers Atrium Ljungberg join forces with Danish architectural studios Henning Larsen and the Swedish company White Arkitekter to construct the project that will use more timber than any other project in the world. 

Wood has long been known for its soothing properties within the design of our homes – there’s a reason why we automatically feel relaxed when we enter those deliciously pine-scented cabins in the mountains. It’s also a sensible and sustainable choice, as wood is far more climate-friendly than concrete, can be easily replenished, makes for a safer build and is much less noisy during construction, as an added bonus. We know that wood also acts as a ‘carbon sink’, capturing and storing carbon. 

The Stockholm Wood City will combine these positive attributes alongside other back-to-nature ideas such as green roofs, stored and shared energy, plenty of natural light through large windows and terraces planted with greenery. It will also be characterised by a typical Scandinavian attitude to design with its décor following a clean, minimalist aesthetic, letting the natural properties shine through. 

The purpose of the Stockholm Wood City is both commercial and residential mixed with shops and restaurants with up to 2,000 homes and 7,000 office spaces to benefit both everyday workers and home dwellers. The location of the Wood City is also a thoughtful choice, being found in southern Stockholm’s inner city Sickla district, to top up the much-needed deficit of central office buildings and cut down on commuting, therefore improving quality of life.

The ambitious and ground-breaking project will begin in 2025, with plans to complete by 2027, giving Sweden a whole new city, assembled from wood. Let’s hope other towns and cities across the world follow suit.