The Wood Hotel opens in the 20-storey Sara Cultural Centre

After struggling with declining population growth, Skellefteå is now growing in all directions, including upwards. At 75 metres high, Sara Cultural Centre has become the city’s new landmark and it is in the high-rise tower that The Wood Hotel by Elite is housed.

The whole idea behind Sara Cultural Centre came from workshops with the citizens of Skellefteå on how to make the city more attractive and reverse the declining population growth. The goal for 2030 is to reach a population of 90,000, and the tourism industry and cultural offerings play a central role in this effort.

The hotel is built of prefabricated 3D modules in cross laminated timber stacked between two elevator shafts, also made of CLT. On the outside, the façade is covered with transparent glass to protect against the weather as well as to ventilate the heat between the glass surfaces when the sun is shining. The glazed façade also allows for a majestic panoramic view of the city for miles.

The Wood Hotel defines a new era for family-owned Elite Groups, which has built its brand by transforming historic landmarks across the country into prestigious hotels.

– The Wood Hotel by Elite is inspired by northern Sweden’s unique nature, but also by Skellefteå’s position as a contemporary hub for progressive and green technology solutions, says Caroline Chakraborty, co-owner of Elite Hotels, who has played an active role in developing the group’s new concept hotels.

Photo hero image: Sven Burman/Visit Skellefteå