Mjøstårnet, world's tallest timber structure, completed in Norway

Mjøstårnet, the world's tallest timber structure, has been completed in Jessheim, Norway. The 18-story building symbolizes environmental thinking within the construction industry, demonstrating that high-rise buildings can be constructed using wood.

The design task for Mjøstårnet, by architects Voll Arkitekter, presented a significant challenge. The building's load-bearing structure consists of glued wooden columns, beams, and braces, designed for high-rise applications. The first ten floors are made of prefabricated wooden elements, with concrete floor slabs used in the upper levels to stabilize the structure.

The project utilized sustainable, locally sourced wood products, including glued timber and CLT from Norway, alongside Kerto LVL (engineered lumber) from Finland. Kerto LVL was incorporated into the floor structures manufactured by Moelven Limtre.

"Kerto LVL has helped us make Mjøstårnet as sustainable as possible," stated Rune Abrahamsen, CEO of Moelven Limtre. He highlighted the material's lightweight and straightness, which ensured the production would not face delays. Metsä Wood and Moelven have a long-standing partnership, with Abrahamsen commending the quality and FSC certification of the raw material. Mjøstårnet's completion marks a significant stride towards more sustainable construction practices, aligning with global urban expansion and the increasing role of wood in building.