Stora Enso Powers Sustainable Innovation at World Expo: 800 m³ of Sylva™ CLT Transform Czech National Pavilion in Osaka

Stora Enso Powers Sustainable Innovation at World Expo: 800 m³ of Sylva™ CLT Transform Czech National Pavilion in Osaka

(IN BRIEF) At this year’s World Expo in Osaka, Stora Enso is demonstrating its commitment to sustainable building solutions through its participation in the Czech National Pavilion. The pavilion’s wood structure is constructed with over 800 m³ of Stora Enso’s Sylva™ CLT, a material celebrated for its superior sustainable performance and ability to transform traditional construction practices. The pavilion features a bold glazed façade and is PEFC-certified, showcasing innovative design and environmental stewardship. The structure, built with wood sourced from sustainably managed forests in Czechia, is not only an architectural landmark but also an educational hub. It includes a 260‑meter educational trail with scenic views of Osaka Bay, a multifunctional auditorium, and a versatile interior exhibition space ranging from 1.8 to 7 meters wide and up to 12 meters high. This event underscores the growing momentum for low‑carbon, engineered wood constructions around the world, especially in Japan—a country with a deep-rooted tradition in wooden architecture and a governmental commitment to timber use. Lars Völkel of Stora Enso emphasizes the significance of this project in bolstering the region’s move toward sustainable, renewable building solutions. Meanwhile, Satoshi Yamada highlights how the initiative aligns with Japan’s environmental goals and circular economy strategies. The Czech National Pavilion, with its visually striking and innovative design, is set to captivate the tens of millions expected to visit the World Expo between April and October 2025.

(PRESS RELEASE) HELSINKI, 12-Apr-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — The World Expo stands as a premier global platform uniting people and innovations to address humanity’s most pressing challenges. This year in Osaka, Japan, Stora Enso is proud to join as a partner of the Czech National Pavilion, showcasing its sustainability credentials with over 800 m³ of Sylva™ CLT elements used in the ground‑breaking, PEFC‑certified wood structure. The pavilion’s innovative glazed façade and striking design are set to inspire millions of visitors by demonstrating how cutting‑edge, renewable materials can redefine modern architecture.

“This partnership with the Czech National Pavilion offers us a unique opportunity to present one of the tallest cross‑laminated timber (CLT) buildings in Japan at a global stage,” said Lars Völkel, Executive Vice President, Stora Enso Wood Products. “With our longstanding history of supplying high‑quality wood products in Japan, and thanks to CLT’s unparalleled sustainable performance, well‑being benefits, and improving financial competitiveness, we are witnessing an increasing demand for wooden commercial and multi‑storey residential buildings in the region. I am confident that the pavilion will serve as a stunning example of the unique structures possible with our Sylva™ CLT kit, paving the way for low‑carbon building solutions.”

Highlighting Japan’s rich tradition in wooden architecture—from the ancient Horyu‑ji Temple (607 AD) to modern initiatives—Satoshi Yamada, Sales Director Japan, Wood Products, Stora Enso, noted, “The Japanese government’s promotion of timber construction to cut carbon emissions and support a circular economy aligns perfectly with our mission to replace non‑renewable materials with renewable products that benefit both people and the planet.”

Occupying a prominent oceanfront location, the Czech National Pavilion is designed to offer an immersive experience with a 260‑meter educational trail that winds through the site and provides breathtaking views of Osaka Bay. At its core lies a multifunctional auditorium hosting a dynamic program of cultural exchange and educational events throughout the expo. The pavilion’s interior spans 402 m², with a variable width from 1.8 to 7 meters and soaring heights up to 12 meters, combining architectural innovation with sustainable construction — all brought to life by Stora Enso’s Sylva™ CLT elements produced in Czechia using sustainably managed local wood.

Construction commenced in mid‑September 2024, and by mid‑December, the main structure was completed. The installation of the signature glazed spiral, adding a modern and elegant finishing touch, followed soon after. The World Expo in Osaka will run from 13 April to 13 October 2025, and the Czech National Pavilion is set to be a must‑visit destination for enthusiasts of architecture, engineered wood, and environmental stewardship.

Read more about the project: World Expo 2025 Pavilion Czech Republic

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SOURCE: STORA ENSO