Biobuilding: Kickoff for rapid, scalable high-rise construction

The ten-stories high wooden residential tower, built without a concrete core, is constructed using a systematic, repetitive method. This approach meets the evolving housing needs and is 30% faster than traditional construction

‘Thanks to our new approach, you can build any imaginable structure with wood. The constructions are simple and quick to replicate. Finally: scalable biobased construction up to fifteen stories,’ says Tim Vermeend, founder of The Urban Woods, with enthusiasm.

“We make the facade structural. This allows us to distribute all force diagrams within the beams, gradually making concrete obsolete. The modular system is perfect for various locations and applications. It’s flexible, functional, and above all: honest.”

The demand for sustainable construction solutions is growing at an explosive rate. ‘We are witnessing major changes. This started earlier, after the Paris Agreement, and now, with the EU Taxonomy requiring CO₂ impact reporting, we’re seeing an even greater push for sustainability. Investors are under increasing pressure to drastically green up their portfolios. Traditional construction methods will soon no longer meet the standards. Now, at last, we have a viable solution,’ says Vermeend. "We provide the industry with the tools to build high-quality structures while respecting nature. Now that the foundation is in place, we are constructing one home every three days. The future of living is not only greener, it’s MUCH faster too."

The Urban Woods Delft showcases the tallest timber high-rise in the Netherlands. Even the elevator shaft and stability structure are made entirely of wood—no concrete. Eighty-five percent of the materials are reusable. “This project proves that we can drastically reduce CO₂ emissions,” says Meint Smith, designer at Arcadis, the consultancy firm behind the project. “Thanks to new technologies such as construction panels made from recycled wood and an innovative stability system, the ecological footprint is minimal. Yet, we can still build high in the sky, while keeping the layout 100% flexible. At the same time, we enhance the quality of living, studies show that living in a wooden environment is demonstrably calming and healthy.”

The Urban Woods serve as a blueprint for sustainable housing. After Delft, cities like Deventer, Amsterdam, and Groningen are next in line. "We deliberately chose a scalable concept," says Sebastian Monteban, co-founder of The Urban Woods. "We are eager to share our techniques with the industry. This is a milestone for Delft, but it extends far beyond, we’re receiving interest from Poland to the United States.

In addition to its innovative construction, The Urban Woods introduces a new way of living, featuring shared facilities and customizable living bundles. Residents can use an app to select additional services such as washing machines, workspace, extra storage, or even a guest suite for overnight stays. This concept addresses the growing demand for flexible and sustainable living while maximizing comfort per square meter.