The Netherlands has the scoop: building with waste wood. The Urban Woods, known for its subscription-based modular homes, turned the first screw in a massive building plate for their modular homes yesterday, June 26. This “breakthrough for CO₂ issues” is the result of a chain-wide collaboration.
From garbage heap to residential tower
The Urban Woods Delft is a 10-story high-tech apartment complex, mostly without concrete. Even the core and elevator shaft consist of recycled wood, treated for centuries. “Unbelievable,” says co-founder Tim Vermeend. “One billion pallets a year were thrown away, and now... we're living in them!”
Sustainable Dutch Innovation
The cross laminated wood (C-CLT) used is made from discarded pallets and scrap wood, finished with ash wood — not softwood. This circular material complies with European regulations, reduces CO₂ emissions and is 10-15% stronger than traditional CLT. It is a forerunner in biobased construction, a sector in which the government is investing 200 million euros.
Cooperation as a Key
This milestone is the result of a broad collaboration. Staatsbosbeheer supplies ash wood, DZB Leiden processes waste streams, Wood Joint fingerload planks and Boer Boom turns it into solid panels. The Urban Climate Architects designs, TNO investigates quality, and the Province of South Holland co-finances.
Scalable and Local
Production is being scaled up with the world's first C-CLT vacuum press for recycled wood. “One turn of a propeller, but a turning point in the construction transition,” it sounded at the ceremonial screw installation. A small action, a big step towards a circular future.
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