Hello there, Anna Ryberg Ågren at Swedish Wood – what’s happening in wood construction right now?

Swedish Wood works to increase knowledge about wood and wood construction and is an important voice in the development of the industry. Anna Ryberg Ågren is Director and leads initiatives related to everything from sustainable construction to technology development and skills supply. Here, she shares her perspectives on current topics in wood construction and what Swedish Wood will highlight at Wood Products & Technology.

What is happening in wood construction that more people should be aware of right now?

– There is a lot happening, not least in and around Gothenburg. A clear example is Grand Central, where a hybrid structure is being built with wood making up a large part of the construction. The project also has a clear ambition to reduce its climate footprint, including a façade made of reclaimed brick.

Another project is Kaj 16, which will become one of the larger wood construction projects in Sweden. Here, 12 out of 16 floors are built in wood, and the façades will largely feature wood as an architectural expression. The ambition is to create an entirely new destination in Gothenburg.

Varberg’s new station building is also worth highlighting. It was completed in the summer of 2025 and has already received international recognition, including being named winner of the International Award for Wood Architecture 2026.

Which misconception about wood as a building material would you most like to debunk?

– There are several persistent myths about wood that we would like to nuance. One common belief is that forest resources would not be sufficient if we increase wood construction. However, nearly 70 percent of Sweden’s land area is covered by forest, and thanks to active forestry, the total volume of trees has actually doubled over the past 100 years. At the same time, a large share of the raw material is exported, which means there are good opportunities to use more wood domestically.

Another misconception concerns pressure-treated wood, where many believe you have to wait a long time before it can be painted. In reality, it is often possible to apply surface treatment relatively quickly, provided the wood has the correct moisture content. On the contrary, wood that has been exposed for too long may actually provide poorer conditions for paint adhesion.

There are also misunderstandings about how decking should be installed. Many believe boards should be placed tightly together, but since the wood dries and shrinks, a certain gap is always necessary to avoid problems over time.

How will Swedish Wood be present at Wood Products & Technology, and why should visitors take part?

– We will be present at our stand, where we are happy to talk about wood and wood construction with visitors. We will bring both physical products and our appreciated publications, which we distribute on site. In addition, we will take part in several programme sessions on the stages, where we share knowledge and perspectives on the possibilities of wood. For those who want to dive deeper into current topics in wood construction, there is plenty to take part in during the exhibition.

About Wood Products & Technology

Wood Products & Technology is the Nordic region’s largest meeting place for the wood industry. Here, the entire value chain gathers — from sawmills and production to architecture and urban development — to share knowledge, discover new technology and do business. The focus is on innovation, sustainability and the future of wood construction. Register for your free submission ticket »