Hent to build world’s tallest wooden building

AB Invest and Norwegian contractor Hent have entered into a turnkey contract to build Mjøstårnet in Brumunddal, Norway, constructing what is said to be the world's tallest wooden building.

At the same time, Hent has entered into a contract with Moelven Limtre. The company, based in Moelv, Norway, will be the turnkey subcontractor and will supply glulam (glued laminated timber), Kerto and cross-laminated timber structures for the tower structure and swimming hall in the project.

Marketing and development director of Hent Knut Alstad said the project was the result of a development collaboration between AB Invest as client, Hent as project developer, and turnkey contractors Voll Arkitekter and Moelven Limtre.

Mjøstårnet will cover around 15,000m², will span 18 storeys and include apartments, a hotel, offices, a restaurant and associated common areas. The total height will be more than 80m.

The value of the contract to Hent is around NOK 500 million (€56 million), excluding VAT. For Moelven Limtre, the contract with Hent is worth NOK 47 million (€5.2 million), excluding VAT.

Planning is under way, and work at the building site will start on 1 April 2017. The project will also include a 4,000m² swimming facility with the Mjøsa lake as its closest neighbour.

Client Arthur Buchardt said, “The main structure is based on glulam, with slab elements consisting of a combination of glulam and Kerto, and façades as wooden elements. This is a response to the ‘green shift’ and proof that wood is a material that can compete with traditional solutions in high-rises too, enabling climate-friendly building as long as one has the right mindset.”