Sweden Builds Timber Tower Without Concrete Core

A striking new office tower in Malmö, Sweden, is rewriting the rules of sustainable construction. Fyrtornet, designed by Wingårdhs architects, rises 169 feet into the sky—without using a traditional concrete core. Instead, it showcases the strength of engineered timber and demonstrates how cities can embrace renewable resources while cutting carbon emissions.

The tower relies on advanced materials like glulam beams and cross-laminated timber (CLT), which form the core and floor slabs. These engineered timbers are strong enough to rival concrete and steel, but with a fraction of the carbon footprint. Even the building’s facade reinforces its eco-friendly design, combining red-painted wood, spruce shingles, and solar-integrated glazing to boost energy efficiency and reduce reliance on the grid.

Fyrtornet’s construction process was just as thoughtful. Much of the tower was prefabricated in Austria before being shipped to Malmö by train, a choice that prevented 100 tons of carbon emissions compared to conventional trucking. Prefabrication also reduced waste, sped up assembly, and improved quality control, highlighting the environmental and practical advantages of modern timber construction.

Inside, the 97,000-square-foot building embraces the natural warmth of exposed timber across 11 levels. The ground floor includes a café and bistro, while upper floors provide flexible office space, a library, and a rooftop garden. By leaving timber surfaces uncovered, the interior design not only feels inviting but also celebrates the beauty of renewable materials in everyday architecture.

Of course, questions about fire safety often surround timber buildings. Fyrtornet answers them with modern engineering. Its glulam and CLT components are designed to char slowly in the event of a fire, protecting the core structure in much the same way steel does under extreme conditions. This makes timber not just a sustainable option, but a safe and resilient one too.

Fyrtornet is more than just an office tower—it’s a glimpse into the future of urban construction. As cities seek climate-friendly solutions, timber skyscrapers like this one may inspire a global shift away from carbon-heavy concrete and steel. The result could be healthier, more sustainable environments where renewable design takes center stage.

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