White Arkitekter has received project funding by the Swedish Institute through the SI Ukraine Cooperation Programme for the key initiative SustainTimber: Standards for Sustainable Transition. The project aims to develop sustainable timber architecture in Ukraine while aligning the country’s rebuilding efforts with European regulations and integration goals.

As part of Ukraine’s National Recovery Plan, which emphasizes green technologies and sustainable development, this project will harness the potential of timber construction to rebuild modern, energy-efficient, and environmentally responsible infrastructure. White Arkitekter will manage the project in collaboration with their Ukrainian partner, Studio Zmist – a leading architecture firm in Lviv specialised in sustainable urban planning.

– We are proud to play a leading role in this significant project that blends sustainable architecture with an urgent humanitarian mission. This partnership with Studio Zmist enables us to combine our expertise in timber architecture and social sustainability with local Ukrainian insights, ultimately contributing to the creation of resilient, modern, and environmentally responsible cities, said Carl Bäckstrand, Deputy CEO and International Director at White Arkitekter.

Known for its innovative work in timber construction, White Arkitekter will lead the project, facilitating roundtable discussions and engaging with experts from both countries to ensure that Ukraine’s regulatory frameworks align with sustainable European practices. The project also lays the foundation for a long-term collaboration between Swedish and Ukrainian partners, fostering economic growth and sustainable development.

The results of these efforts will culminate in a comprehensive roadmap that outlines steps for Ukraine’s transition to sustainable architecture and a pilot project concept that can serve as a model for future large-scale initiatives.

– For Ukraine, rebuilding with sustainable timber architecture is not only an environmental priority but also an economic opportunity. By developing local capacity in timber construction, the project can stimulate job creation and revitalise the timber industry, an important sector in Ukraine’s post-war recovery, said Carl Bäckstrand.

The firm will also apply its expertise in social sustainability and collaborative processes in the roundtable discussions and facilitating cross-cultural dialogue between Swedish and Ukrainian stakeholders.

This initiative builds on the cooperation agreement White Arkitekter and Studio Zmist signed in 2022, and this will be their first concrete collaborative project.

About SI Ukraine Cooperation Programme

The Swedish Institute (SI) offers grants to Swedish organisations and their partners in Ukraine to jointly implement projects supporting Ukraine's reconstruction, reform efforts, and EU integration. Focus areas include inclusive economic development, entrepreneurship, human rights, democracy, and gender equality. The programme aims to strengthen organisational capacity and expand networks while increasing skills and knowledge. White Arkitekter is proud to be one of the organisations awarded support through this programme

Release: White akitekter, Gothenburg, Sweden