BERGEN, NORWAY (REUTERS) - Situated on the Bergen waterfront, The Tree is the tallest wooden building in the world.

The 52.8m-high structure is one of a growing number of so-called Plyscrapers altering city skylines.

The timber industry say it is an environmental solution, as countries seek to reduce emissions.

"It will never totally displace concrete and steel, but it's definitely a part in our solution towards our struggle towards a CO2 neutral society." said Mr Ole Herman Kleppe, chief project manager.

The architects insist that fears of fire in such timber homes are groundless.

"These columns and these CLT panels they don't burn. They're so thick that they don't burn. In addition, they are painted with fire resistant paint and the house is sprinkled so we have all possible ways to prevent a fire in the house. So actually, this is the safest house in Bergen regarding fire." said Mr Kleppe.

The 14-storey structure is made of sustainable wood.

But concrete makers dispute the idea that timber is greener, insisting that deforestation causes more CO2 emissions.

The Tree's structure is not entirely wooden.

"It's concrete on this roof because it adds weight and it was necessary to add weight to this wooden building because it kind of dampens the swinging." said Mr Per Reigstad, of Artec Architects.

Later this year a wooden building that is two inches taller will open in Vancouver.

Even taller structures are being planned in Vienna and London.