The Swedish population needs alternative living arrangements that are both affordable and good for the environment. Look no further than the “Wood City,” a project put together by an ambitious, local urban planning company.
Introducing Stockholm’s Wood City
CEO of Atrium Ljungberg AB, Annica Anas, has mapped out an entire eco-district in the Swedish retail park of Sickla.
Going by the name of Stockholm Wood City, this new area would span a whopping 25 blocks, and would also include 2000 homes, 7000 offices, and many shops, restaurants, and other local amenities.
This would make it the largest mass-timber district of its kind. But there is something even more impressive about this project.
It’s Entirely Powered By Clean Energy
That’s right. In a time when nations are working around the clock to fight climate change – Atrium Ljungberg is determined to make green, clean energy the focal point of this latest development.
Sweden is generally trying to move away from using steel and concrete, which are notoriously carbon-intensive materials. The use of timber is seen as an ideal source of renewable energy.
In fact, many other countries, including the UK, the US, Japan, and Ireland, are also planning similar timber-centric projects.
Could the Project Backfire?
This ambitious project comes against the backdrop of Sweden’s real estate crisis. With many young couples struggling to afford to buy property, as well as the rise of interest rates and inflation, some are worried that this kind of initiative isn’t even realistic.
After all, the number of relevant workers, the delay of green construction projects, and the price of lumber all have question marks surrounding them.
There Is Still Hope
Despite this, Anas remains hopeful that the project will be complete. The EU generally favors the construction of buildings and districts that put sustainability and energy efficiency at the top of their priorities. So Stockholm Wood City definitely ticks those boxes.
Ultimately, the people of Sweden need homes and places to work just like anyone else – and a “city” made out of wood seems as good a place as any to make both of those things happen.