In recent years, there’s been increasing talk about wooden skyscrapers as a solution for sustainable construction. We’ve written about them multiple times, but the question remains: are wooden skyscrapers truly the future of urban development, and how environmentally friendly are they?
Technological advances in wood processing and its application in high-rise construction have contributed to growing optimism that this material could be key to reducing the carbon footprint of the construction industry. Currently, the construction sector consumes about 40% of the world’s energy resources and is responsible for one-third of global carbon dioxide emissions, according to the World Green Building Council.
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The use of traditional materials like steel and concrete exacerbates this problem due to the energy-intensive processes involved in their production. In this context, wood emerges as a natural alternative.
Why Wood?
One of wood’s primary advantages is its ability to capture and store carbon dioxide. While trees are alive, they absorb CO2, but what’s less known is that even after being cut and processed, wood continues to “lock in” carbon, reducing the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere.
According to research from the University of Cambridge, wooden buildings can save between 60% and 75% of carbon emissions compared to those made from concrete or steel.
The Technical Side of Wooden Skyscrapers
When people hear about wood as a material for skyscrapers, many think of fragility and flammability. Durability may also come to mind. However, modern engineered wood products, especially cross-laminated timber (CLT), are changing this perception. CLT panels are made by gluing layers of wood at right angles to each other, which increases their strength and makes them more resistant to fire and earthquakes.
A good everyday example of this layered wood technology is laminated flooring. Thanks to its multi-layer construction, where each successive layer has fibers oriented at a 90-degree angle, laminated floors are far more durable than traditional solid wood. They also resist moisture and dimensional changes more effectively.
Studies show that wooden buildings, especially those made from CLT, have excellent resistance to seismic activity, making them ideal for earthquake-prone regions. For instance, a study conducted at the University of British Columbia demonstrated that wooden skyscrapers could withstand earthquakes due to the flexibility and natural elasticity of wood.
Real-World Examples
One of the most famous examples of a wooden skyscraper is the “HoHo Tower” in Vienna, standing 276 feet tall. This building, which is 75% made from wooden materials, is not only environmentally friendly but also energy efficient. Its construction reduced CO2 emissions by about 2,800 tons compared to a similarly sized concrete building.
In Stockholm, a block of 31 wooden skyscrapers is under construction, which, when completed, will offer 5,000 housing units. This complex is not just a vision of sustainable architecture but a concrete step toward reducing construction-related emissions.
Is Wood Truly the Future of Construction?
While wood offers many advantages, including lower emissions and carbon storage potential, challenges remain. The biggest issue is the availability of raw materials. According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), a significant increase in global demand for wood could negatively impact forests and ecosystems if exploitation isn’t carefully managed.
However, with responsible forest management and renewable wood sources, this material could indeed become a sustainable solution for future construction. Large-scale investments in reforestation would also be necessary to ensure that wood remains a viable resource.
The fact that more architects and construction companies around the world are turning to wood is a hopeful sign that the ecological footprint of the construction industry may be reduced in the coming years.
Photo: Voll Arkitekter Ricardo Foto, Mad Arkitekter