The world’s tallest free-standing tower, Tokyo Skytree, can be found in Japan. Thus, it comes as no surprise that the tallest wooden skyscraper in the world is also proposed to be built in the area. The plan has already been unveiled by Sumitomo Forestry Co., Ltd., a Japanese company that provides a stable supply of quality timber. Dubbed as the “W350 Plan,” the wooden high-rise building will stand at a height of 350 meters consisting of 70 floors above the ground and is expected to be completed by 2041.

Why a wooden skyscraper?
The wooden skyscraper will rely upon the concept of Sumitomo Forestry, which is a leading timber and building materials trading company in Japan. They are particularly aiming for three things: to change towns into forests, to use more wooden materials, and to increase carbon fixation and reduce global environmental burden.

It is said that forests cover approximately two-thirds of Japan’s land area. Despite this fact, the self-supply rate for local timber is only 30%. Most of the trees are left in a non-maintained state. Hence, it becomes important to use these trees in order for new trees to be replanted. The plan will allow an increase in wooden construction in order to create environmentally friendly and timber-utilizing cities through reduced construction cost.

The Building Outline
https://twitter.com/index_japan/status/963208183870304261
The skyscraper will be built using hybrid wood and steel structures made from 90% wooden materials. The amount of timber that will be used will be equivalent to 8,000 wooden houses. This increase in timber demand will promote replanting and revitalization of forestry.

The building will have balconies for people to enjoy fresh air outside. It will also give them a space to enjoy the rich natural elements of the atmosphere and the biodiversity of an urban setting. The interior structure of the building will be made of pure wood, providing a calming space where people can relax.

The building will stand at a height of 350 meters in a 6,500 sqm area. It will be used for offices, hotels, stores, and residences. The design will be made possible in collaboration with Nikken Sekkei Ltd. and the total construction cost is estimated at 600 billion yen.

The building is expected to create a comfortable environment for both plants and living organisms, as well as a space for people who are going to live there. It is going to be full of greenery and will be located in the central area of Tokyo.

Sumitomo Forestry is hoping that this kind of wooden architecture for a high-rise building will become more popular in the future. The project will be completed in 2041, which also marks the company’s 350th anniversary. Due to the lack of greenery in big cities, there is an expanding possibility of having more wooden buildings with trees and plants in the future. This new developmental concept will allow the change in order to have environmentally friendly and timber-utilizing cities in the country.

Sumitomo Forestry Co., Ltd. Website

(Source: Japan Info)