Milwaukee to Host the World's Tallest Wooden Skyscraper

Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is set to embark on an ambitious project that will see the construction of the tallest wooden skyscraper in the world. The building, named The Edison, is expected to reach a height of approximately 114.3 meters and will be situated at 100 N Edison Street. Scheduled for completion in 2027, the development will feature 378 residential units along with nearly 670 square meters designated for commercial use, including retail spaces, dining options, and a fitness center.

The ground-breaking ceremony for The Edison is slated for June 16, 2025, with construction set to commence shortly thereafter. This new endeavor will elevate Milwaukee's skyline, which currently boasts the tallest wooden building, Ascent, completed in 2022 at a height of 86.6 meters. Additionally, the tallest wooden structure globally is the Gleiwitz Transmission Tower, standing at 118 meters.

While details regarding the construction method of The Edison remain undisclosed, it is common for such skyscrapers to utilize a hybrid model combining wood and concrete. Typically, the core, which includes stairwells and elevator shafts, is constructed using conventional methods, while the majority of the structure is made from wood.

Wood as a building material presents significant environmental advantages, particularly in terms of carbon dioxide emissions. During its growth, wood absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, contrasting sharply with concrete production, which emits substantial amounts of CO2--between 600 to 1000 kilograms for every 1000 kilograms of cement produced. Furthermore, the extraction of sand for cement has led to its classification as a highly sought-after resource, often sourced under questionable circumstances.

According to the developers at Neutral, the materials used in The Edison will reduce the carbon footprint and energy consumption by over 45% compared to traditional buildings of similar size and purpose. The building is designed to meet the standards of a Passive House as defined by the US Passive House Institute (PHIUS).

In the realm of wooden skyscrapers, Germany's largest wooden building, Roots, located in Hamburg, is currently under construction and set to reach a height of 65 meters upon completion in 2024. Furthermore, plans for another wooden residential tower, known as WoHo, are underway in Berlin, aiming for a height of 98 meters.