Ole Kleppe and Rune Abrahamsen didn't set out to build the world's tallest wood building. But when faced with building restrictions and a nearby bridge in Bergen, Norway, it soon became an elegant solution. The pair discussed the project at the 2016 International Wood Symposium in Vancouver, B.C.
Kleppe, of Norwegian housing association BOB, set out to build a sustainable housing project in Bergen, but soon ran into several problems. A competing bridge close by meant more height was needed, but the city only allowed buildings nine storeys tall. So, the team decided to use wood.
Norway has a rich history of wooden structures and boasts some wood buildings more than 800 years old that are still standing.
The team pitched the project as a nod to wood heritage with the added prestige of breaking a world record for wood construction.