A mixed-use development that is set to become Gothenburg’s tallest timber building has reached full height on the city’s waterfront, marking a significant step in the delivery of one of the world’s largest timber-hybrid structures.
Kaj16, developed by Swedish commercial property company Vasakronan and designed by Danish architecture practice Dorte Mandrup, topped out after the completion of its distinctive timber crown. The 78-metre building is being built within the emerging Lilla Bommen district, a waterfront area undergoing large-scale redevelopment as Gothenburg expands towards the river.
When completed in 2027, Kaj16 will provide offices, retail space, restaurants, cafés, event facilities, and residential accommodation across a building that combines timber, concrete, glass, and recycled materials.
Timber construction at large scale
The development extends across 37,500m2 and uses timber throughout much of its superstructure. Twelve of the building’s 16 storeys are being constructed with glulam columns and beams, together with cross-laminated timber floor systems.
Swedish forest industry group Södra is supplying approximately 22,000m2 of cross-laminated timber for the building.
The building’s upper levels will accommodate office and residential uses, while roof terraces and shared amenity areas are planned above. At street level, the scheme is intended to accommodate a mix of commercial, cultural, and public-facing functions.
Kaj16 has already secured major occupiers ahead of completion. Swedish banking group SEB has pre-leased 12,800m2, accounting for more than 40% of the building’s leasable area.
Reuse strategy incorporated into the structure
Material reuse has formed part of the construction approach from the outset.
All concrete from the previous building on the site was crushed and reused in the new construction. Stainless-steel façade elements were also retained and repurposed as cladding for sections of the building’s exterior.
The project is targeting LEED Platinum certification. Beyond material reuse, the design incorporates a modular façade system intended to allow future conversion between residential and office uses if market requirements change over time.
Part of Gothenburg’s waterfront transformation
Kaj16 occupies a prominent position at the southern end of the Hisingsbron bridge, where central Gothenburg meets the Göta River. The building forms part of the wider redevelopment of Lilla Bommen, an area historically characterised by parking areas and ageing office stock.
The development has been designed with publicly accessible routes running through and around the site, linking surrounding streets, the quayside, and nearby transport connections. Restaurants, shops, co-working facilities, and event space are planned within the lower levels, while offices and homes will occupy the upper floors.
Construction is continuing towards completion in 2027, when Kaj16 is expected to open as one of the largest timber-hybrid buildings yet delivered in Europe.
