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Japan Set To Build World's Tallest Wooden Skyscraper

Japan Set To Build World's Tallest Wooden Skyscraper

The 70-storey tower block will be the biggest of its kind anywhere in the world

Claire Reid

Claire Reid

The world's tallest wooden skyscraper is set to be built in Tokyo. Wood you believe it? (Sorry).

Sumitomo Forestry Co is planning to build a 1,148ft (350 metre), 70-floor tower to mark its 350th anniversary in 2041.

The wood products company has said the new building, known as W350 Project, would be an example of 'urban development that is kind for humans', the Guardian reports.

Sumitomo Forestry Co

The Japanese government has previously spoken about the advantages of wooden buildings and in 2010 even introduced a law making it a requirement for all public buildings of up to three floors to be made of wood.

Speaking about the ambitious plans, the company behind the project said in a press release: "Under this concept, greenery on the earth will contribute to buildings and cities, making over cities as forests.

Sumitomo Forestry Co

"Buildings that are full of greenery will form a network that is linked to the biosphere of living creatures such as wild birds and insects, contributing to the biodiversity of cities."

Ten percent of the tower will be made of steel, alongside almost 200,000 cubic metres of indigenous wood - the interior will be made entirely of wood with enough space for around 8,000 homes, and there will also be shops and office space.

The building will have balconies on all four sides, covered in greenery and trees.

HIGHLINER WALKS OVER CITY 240M IN THE AIR

The project is expected to cost 600 billion yen (£4.02bn / $5.65bn), which is almost twice the cost of a 'conventional' high-rise building of this size. However, the company has said the price will be brought down by 'technological advances' between now and its planned completion date.

Wooden skyscrapers aren't just catching on in Japan, in the US, the River Beech Tower - a 800ft (244m) high-rise - is planned for the bank of the Chicago River.

And over in Canada, a skyscraper - standing at 174ft (53m) in Vancouver - is believed to currently be the tallest wooden building in the world - or at least for now anyway.

Sources: The Guardian; Sumitomo Forestry Co

Featured Image Credit: Sumitomo Forestry Co

Topics: World News, Japan