Construction of the world's tallest wooden skyscraper

A wooden skyscraper? This is not a joke. In Milwaukee, a new architectural ambition is about to push the boundaries of modern engineering.

The Wisconsin city is preparing to build the tallest wooden skyscraper in the world. A 55-story project that could well redefine urban construction.


The project is led by Michael Green Architecture (MGA), a firm renowned for its expertise in large-scale timber construction. This tower, set to reach a height of 600 feet (183 meters), will mark a major advance in the use of mass timber in high-rise buildings.

Mass timber, chosen for its ecological and aesthetic qualities, is at the heart of this innovative approach. The use of materials like glue-laminated timber (glulam) and cross-laminated timber (CLT) ensures increased fire resistance, a key challenge for a skyscraper.

The wood used does not burn like traditional timber. When exposed to flames, it forms a protective charred layer that slows the spread of the fire. This technique has already proven effective in less ambitious constructions.

However, the project will not rely solely on wood. To ensure optimal stability, the use of concrete reinforcements is planned, especially for such a height. It's a hybrid approach that blends tradition with innovation.


This skyscraper is part of a broader vision for sustainable architecture, aiming to reduce the carbon footprint. Indeed, mass timber is much lighter and more environmentally friendly than concrete or steel, while also allowing for faster construction.

Milwaukee hopes to position itself as a pioneer in green architecture. This ambitious project could inspire other cities around the world to reevaluate how they build.

The stakes are high: proving that wooden skyscrapers are not just a passing trend, but a viable and sustainable solution for the future of urban development.