Sara Kulturhus Named Most Significant Building of 2021 by Dezeen

We are honored that Sara Kulturhus has been recognized as the most significant building of 2021 by Dezeen, one of the world’s most influential design magazines. This recognition comes nearly four years after its completion, reaffirming the project’s lasting impact on architecture and sustainable design.

Since its inauguration, Sara Kulturhus has received significant international attention, including from The Guardian, which named it the Best Architecture of the Year in 2021. Now, the project remains in the spotlight as Dezeen has included it in its list of the 25 most significant buildings of the 21st century.

Located in Skellefteå, Sweden, Sara Kulturhus is one of the world’s tallest timber buildings, a landmark that has redefined what is possible with wood construction. The cultural center houses a hotel, library, theatre, museum, and gallery, serving as a vibrant hub for the city while showcasing an ambitious commitment to sustainability, innovation, and regional heritage.

– One of the biggest challenges of the project was convincing people to build something that hadn’t been built before. Sara Kulturhus is a testament to the potential of timber architecture in shaping the future of sustainable cities, said Oskar Norelius and Robert Schmitz, Lead Architects at White Arkitekter.

The recognition from Dezeen is not only gratifying but also an inspiration for us to continue developing innovative and sustainable solutions for a climate-neutral future.
Robert Schmitz and Oskar Norelius

With its carbon-negative timber structure, sourced from local forests, and innovative construction techniques, Sara Kulturhus demonstrates how architecture can push boundaries while staying deeply connected to its environment and local context. The continued global recognition of the project highlights the growing relevance of sustainable architecture.

We are delighted that Sara Kulturhus continues to inspire worldwide. A heartfelt thank you to our bold client Skellefteå kommun, partners, and the entire team who made this visionary project a reality.

A public vote is currently underway to select the favourite among the 25 buildings chosen by Dezeen as the most significant of the 21st century. The winner will be announced later this year.

Read the full piece here.

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