Pioneering wooden architecture, home to bold cultural expression
Photo: Johan Wennerström
When Sara kulturhus opened in 2021, it quickly became a global phenomenon. One of the tallest wooden structures in the world, it proved that a different approach to building at scale was possible. The house, which honours the ideas and legend of the spirited local writer Sara Lidman, has quickly become a popular destination, which also boasts leading art museums and concert halls, restaurants, a city library, theatre, and hotel. By Malin Norman
Sara kulturhus is located in Skellefteå – a place bursting with innovation and grand future plans. “Northern Sweden has been paving the way in the green transition, and we needed a cultural hub to match that expansion,” says Anna Jirstrand Sandlund, CEO of Sara kulturhus. “The idea for the building was floated in 2015, and in the spirit of the writer Sara Lidman, who the house is named after, we chose to go bold and do something unique. Sara kulturhus is a statement on sustainability not only for the city, but for the planet. If we can do it, so can others.” 36
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Issue 176
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March 2025
Anna Jirstrand Sandlund, CEO. Photo: Patrick Degerman
Local material for a future-proof building With its 20 stories built entirely from wood, the structure was destined to make headlines. Meanwhile, it is energy self-sufficient – and a leading example of how green buildings might look in the future. The building, designed by architectural firm White, runs on solar power stored in batteries located within the building, the temperature of which is regulated according to AI algorithms. The house is carbon-positive, meaning it uses less energy than it creates and can, therefore, share its excess energy with neighbouring buildings. All the wood used in the project was collected from within a 120-kilometre radius, which significantly reduced emissions during its construction. What’s more, every tree has been replanted, exemplifying the project’s circular approach to production. “The house binds 9,000 tons of carbon. That’s equal to