Wood continues to gain popularity as an alternative to concrete, and not exactly for small projects. This material already inhabits the core and exterior of some towers in Europe and everything seems to indicate that this trend will continue to grow. Within four years, the Swiss city of Winterthur will become home to a 100-meter wooden skyscraper.
According to the Danish firm Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects (SHL), in charge of designing the project, if everything goes according to plan, in 2026, the Rocket & Tigerli tower will win the title of the tallest wooden skyscraper in the world. . In this sense, it will surpass the 85-meter Mjøstårnet, opened in 2019 and located on the shores of Lake Mjøsa, in the town of Brumunddal, in Norway.
An imposing 32-story structure
The new wooden skyscraper, named after the locomotives that were once built in the industrial complex that stood on the site of its development, it will have 32 floors and will have 255 units with different configurations altogether. In addition, it will house a hotel, commercial spaces, a restaurant, a spa and a viewpoint that will offer panoramic views of the city.
As a complement to the main tower, as can be seen in the images, three more low-rise buildings will also be built and there will be easily accessible public recreation areas. SHL ensures that each of the four buildings will have “its own visual identity to help create a strong sense of belonging among residents”, without neglecting the historical context of the place.
As for the construction method, the developers decided to use wood instead of concrete for the core central part of the building, instead of concrete. This resulted in a lower weight single beam and the ability to erect a tall structure. As construction progresses, more details of the skyscraper will be revealed.
Behind the project, in addition to Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects, is the Swiss construction giant Implenia, which occupies the position of developer, and the Swiss Public Research University ETH Zurich, which was in charge of developing the new wooden construction system. used to reach 100 meters in height without concrete. As we mentioned above, in 2026 it should receive its first residents.
Behind the project, in addition to Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects, is the Swiss construction giant Implenia, which occupies the position of developer, and the Swiss Public Research University ETH Zurich, which was in charge of developing the new wooden construction system. used to reach 100 meters in height without concrete. As we mentioned above, in 2026 it should receive its first residents.
George is Digismak’s reported cum editor with 13 years of experience in Journalism