White Arkitekter and City of Lviv sign agreement to develop a timber pilot project

The collaboration builds on the SustainTimber: Standards for Sustainable Transition initiative. Led by White Arkitekter, Studio Zmist and SIS, the initiative aims to develop sustainable timber architecture in Ukraine while aligning the country’s rebuilding efforts in line with European regulations and integration goals. The identified pilot project is the first within the SustainTimber process and aims to test materials, building methods and regulatory frameworks in practice. Its purpose is to demonstrate feasibility and support wider replication across Ukraine.

“The collaboration with City of Lviv marks an important step in translating shared knowledge into tangible initiatives. By bringing together our expertise in timber architecture and social sustainability with Ukrainian experience and local conditions, we can contribute to environmentally responsible solutions for cities that are resilient and prepared for the future.” Says Carl Bäckstrand, Deputy CEO and International Director, White Arkitekter.

“This project is a valuable opportunity to implement modern timber construction technologies in Ukraine. It allows us to promote sustainable building practices, reduce environmental impact, and at the same time create high-quality social infrastructure for our communities.” Says Volodymyr Stasiv, Lead Specialist of the Department of Architecture and Spatial Development, City of Lviv.

In 2025, SustainTimber produced a national roadmap for sustainable timber architecture in Ukraine developed with key partners in Ukraine and Sweden. It outlines key actions related to standards, materials, skills development and pilot projects, where reference projects such as the school in Lviv play an important role in driving progress.

Since 2022, White Arkitekter has had a collaboration agreement with the Lviv-based architectural practice Studio Zmist, forming the foundation of the ongoing work in Ukraine.

About SustainTimber: Standards for Sustainable Transition
SustainTimber: Standards for Sustainable Transition is an initiative funded by the Swedish Institute through the SI Ukraine Cooperation Programme. The project is led by White Arkitekter in partnership with its Ukrainian collaborator Studio Zmist and SIS. Its aim is to develop sustainable timber architecture in Ukraine and support the country’s rebuilding in alignment with European regulations and integration goals. The work includes knowledge exchange, dialogue with public authorities and industry stakeholders, and the development of a national roadmap and a pilot project concept for future implementation.