From Pallets to Palaces: Cutting-Edge High-Rises Built from Waste Wood

The Netherlands leads the way in construction using waste wood. The Urban Woods,known for their modular homes, installed the first screw in a massive wooden panel for their new project today. This break through in CO₂ reduction is theresult of a broad collaboration.

From Waste to Tower

The Urban Woods Delft is a 10-story, high-tech apartment building with minimal concreteuse. Even the core and elevator shaft are made from partially recycled wood, treated to last centuries. "It's incredible!" says co-founder TimVermeend. "A billion pallets were thrown away each year, and now we livein them!"

Dutch Innovation

The cross-laminated timber (C-CLT) used is made from discarded pallets anddemolition wood, with an ash wood outer layer. This high-quality, circular material meets European regulations and reduces CO₂ emissions. It's 10-15%stronger than traditional CLT and is seen as a leader in the bio-based building transition.

Collaborative Milestone

This achievement is thanks to a Dutch partnership, including Staatsbosbeheer, DZBLeiden, Wood Joint, BoerBoom, and more. With local wood and recycled materials,the process is being scaled up, making sustainable building affordable andaccessible.

Scalable,Social, and Local

The Urban Woods aims to construct entire buildings from waste wood. Their innovative C-CLT vacuum press is scaling production, marking a turning point for the construction industry.

 

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