The World’s Five Tallest Buildings in Pallets
15 Aug 2014
Earlier this year, the US government revealed its plans to further promote the idea of building skyscrapers predominantly made of timber. Although this came as somewhat of a surprise to those within the construction industry, the US Department of Agriculture proved it was serious by launching a $1 million competition to find the most sustainable method of building wooden high-rise buildings and earmarked additional funds to further educate architects on the subject.
While many people may take some convincing about the aesthetic appeal of a wooden skyscraper, there can be little doubt that wood is one of the most advanced building materials available. It ticks all the right boxes as far as environmentally friendly construction goes. It is likely that much of the wood that could be utilised in the construction of these skyscrapers may well be taken from the same source as that which is currently used in the construction of wooden pallets. Because of this, here is a look at the current top five tallest buildings in the world and how they stack up in terms of wooden pallets. The calculation of the number of pallets required to reach each building’s maximum height has been based on a standard pallet height of 150mm.
5. Shanghai World Financial Centre: 1,614 feet – 3,280 Pallets
When this structure, located in the Pudong district of Shanghai, was topped out in September 2007, not only was it the tallest building in mainland China, but it also happened to be the second tallest in the world. Stacking 3,280 wooden pallets on top of one another would take you past offices, a hotel, a shopping mall and the world’s highest observation deck.
4. Taipei 101: 1,669 feet – 3,392 Pallets
As can be gathered from its name, this skyscraper is located in the city of Taipei in Taiwan. It was built as a symbol of Asian technology. In addition to representing local tradition, the Taipei 101 is recognised as the most environmentally friendly tall building in the world. Just imagine how that green rating would rocket still further if the building happened to be constructed of wood.
3. One World Trade Centre: 1,776 feet – 3,609 Pallets
Rising from the ashes of the original World Trade Centre, this new symbol of New York pride is also known, quite appropriately, as the Freedom Tower. With a stack of 3,609 wooden pallets required to match its height, One World Trade Centre is the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere.
2. Makkah Royal Clock Tower Hotel: 1,972 feet – 4,008 Pallets
The first structure on this list to break the magic 4,000-pallet barrier, this magnificent building in the holy city of Mecca holds a number of records. Not only is it the tallest hotel, and indeed clock-tower, in the world, but the clock face which adorns its sides also happens to be the largest in existence.
1. Burj Khalifa: 2,723 feet – 5,534 Pallets
Since 2009, the Burj Khalifa in the city of Dubai has reigned supreme as the tallest building in the world. The stack of 5,534 wooden pallets needed to reach this structure’s height is an astonishing 38% larger than the next building on this list.