Timber

MVRDV and Space Encounters have revealed plans for a new high-rise development that will offer an impressive degree of sustainability. It will be mostly constructed from timber and is expected to harvest more solar energy than it requires.

Vincent Callebaut Architectures has revealed plans for a new "eco district" in Switzerland. As we've come to expect from the visionary Belgian architect, it's defined by an ambitious approach to sustainability, including a large amount of greenery.

Madeiguincho was founded by a family of carpenters and its homes showcase its expertise with all things wood. The Vigia is the latest example of the firm's craftsmanship and provides a light-filled home that runs off-the-grid.

Sustainable timber architecture is already relatively environmentally friendly, but there's always room for improvement. A new startup says it could reduce waste in the manufacturing process of cross-laminated timber by up to 30 percent using AI.

Modern timber construction continues to go from strength to strength, with the latest major development recently revealed for Sweden. Described as the world's largest wooden construction project, it will include 2,000 homes made from timber.

The co-creator of the High Line, James Corner Field Operations, has teamed up with Skidmore, Owings & Merrill to extend the raised walkway with an attractive new timber bridge that contrasts with the gleaming modern skyscrapers in NYC.

Students have built a research center to enable scientists to monitor bird life and climate change in a Spanish forest. The simple shelter takes its place remarkably well among the trees and was constructed from sustainably sourced timber.

Work was recently completed on what's being hailed as the largest mass timber building in Asia. Designed by Toyo Ito, the project features impressive green design, including solar panels that produce more electricity than it requires.

Haptic Architects and Oslo Works have revealed plans to transform a parking lot in Norway into a new tourist attraction. It will be centered around a "Fjordarium," with underwater galleries providing superb views of the local marine life.

Even though logging is prohibited in many of the world's forests, that doesn't stop some companies from logging in those areas anyways, then lying about the origins of the timber. Such groups may soon be foiled by the wood's chemical fingerprint.

Apple has opened its first retail store in India. Located in Mumbai, Apple BKC incorporates sustainably sourced and local materials, and features a light-filled interior that's defined by an impressive handcrafted timber ceiling.

Heatherwick Studio has revealed plans to create an unusual new tower in the Netherlands. Designed in collaboration with Barcode Architects, it will be defined by an eye-catching exterior made up of stacked cylindrical cog-like forms.