Wooden buildings offer a compelling blend of ecological sustainability and safety that compare favorably with traditional concrete structures. Sweden signals a bold leap forward with the world’s first fully wooden city—a forward-looking district in Stockholm spanning roughly 250,000 square meters.
The Stockholm Wood City project envisions a compact community with about 7,000 offices and buildings alongside 2,000 homes. Green design will shape the capital’s future landscape, setting a benchmark for urban living in Sweden and beyond.
This district will merge residences, retail spaces, dining venues, offices, and open public areas. Architectural variety will define the area, featuring buildings of different silhouettes, heights, and uses, all anchored by a single core material: wood.
Work on the initiative is planned to begin in 2025, with Atrium Ljungberg and Henning Larsen collaborating on the project’s visual identity and functional design.
As wood forms the backbone of this sustainable city, the plan extends further. Roofs will host solar panels paired with storage batteries to lessen dependence on the electrical grid. Stockholm Wood City aspires to become a global reference for urban sustainability. Verdant terraces and green roofs will weave nature into the urban fabric, enhancing livability and resilience.
Annic a Ånäs, CEO of Atrium Ljungberg, notes that modern timber construction has captured worldwide attention. While large-scale timber projects remain less common, the European Bauhaus movement has accelerated interest in wood-based architecture, and long-held beliefs have sometimes slowed progress.
Multiple advantages and fire resistance
Wood structures bring numerous benefits for the environment and human well-being. Studies indicate that wooden buildings can improve indoor air quality, reduce stress, boost productivity, and sequester carbon during their lifespan, contributing to healthier, more vibrant communities.
For those worried about fire safety, modern timber engineering has made significant strides. Engineered wood such as cross-laminated timber and glue-laminated timber has demonstrated strong fire resistance in contemporary designs. A notable example is the Mjøstårnet tower, designed to self-extinguish in a fire without human intervention, illustrating the reliability of advanced timber technologies.
Virtual renderings of the future wooden city illustrate how the concept could unfold across streets, courtyards, and elevated walkways, blending architecture with nature. The Stockholm Wood City project is expected to progress according to the timetable, with the first structures anticipated to be ready within a couple of years after construction begins in 2025.
Annic a Ånäs emphasizes a broader mission: the project demonstrates a commitment to the future, addressing strong demand for innovative, sustainable solutions and offering a clear pathway toward more responsible urban development. Supporters see Stockholm Wood City not only as a showcase of timber architecture but also as a beacon for sustainability on a global scale.
Scholarly and professional interest around the project continues to grow, with ongoing analysis of timber’s long-term performance in diverse climates and urban contexts. The initiative invites discussion on how cities can harmonize density, mobility, and nature, creating healthier environments for residents and workers alike. Marked insights from industry leaders and researchers will help shape next steps and policy considerations for large-scale timber adoption in North America and beyond.
Further information on the project remains available through official channels and industry analyses, with ongoing reviews from influential architectural and sustainability authorities. Attribution for envisioning and ongoing updates comes from Atrium Ljungberg and participating studios, reflecting a collaborative effort to reimagine urban life with wood at its core.
Notes: This article reflects ongoing discussions around timber-based urban development and its role in sustainable cities. The content synthesizes public statements and project materials to provide an overview of Stockholm Wood City’s goals and potential impact.