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Finding the Future of Architecture in Wood

Carbon neutrality has become essential in reducing
CO₂ emissions as climate change has intensified
into climate crisis. Wood is emerging as a solution
in the construction industry thanks to its excellent
carbon storage capacity. Unlike conventional building
materials such as steel and concrete, wood makes
significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions during
production. In fact, large-scale wooden buildings
are already reshaping urban landscapes in Northern
Europe. In Canada and Japan, high-rise timber
architecture fused with advanced technologies is
helping realize national carbon neutrality goals.
In keeping with this global trend, the Integrated
Forest Welfare Education Center was completed in
October 2024 as a seven-story wooden building, the
tallest of its kind in Korea. A total of 1,363 ㎥ wood
was used in its construction, 67% of which came
from domestically grown trees; thus showcasing
the potential of large-scale wooden buildings built
with Korean timber. The building is also estimated
to store 1,249 tons of CO₂, proving its value as a truly
sustainable, eco-friendly space. Beyond functionality,
tree—a natural material—offers warmth and visual
comfort, creating a calming, welcoming environment
that fosters psychological well-being.
Despite the common perception that wood is
vulnerable to fire, it can be stronger than steel. The
Center has been fireproofed to withstand flames for
up to two hours without structural collapse and is
built to endure earthquakes up to 5.5 magnitude.

Integrated Forest Welfare Education Center

Location 2025 Gwanjeo-dong, Seo-gu, Daejeon, Republic of Korea

Purpose Educational and research facility (vocational training,

education and training, forest welfare experiences, etc.)

Total floor area 9,938.24 ㎡

Size 1 floor underground,

7 floors aboveground for the Main Building

1 floor underground, 3 floors aboveground

for the Education Building

2 floors aboveground for the Forest Library