L’Arbre Blanc

Born of the “Architectural follies” competition in Montpellier, L’Arbre Blanc is a landmark 56-metre tower conceived by Sou Fujimoto, Nicolas Laisné and Manal Rachdi. Accoya wood was chosen to clad the 193 cantilevered steel balconies (projecting up to 7 or 8 metres) and the roof terrace of this 17-storey building, which houses 110 apartments, a restaurant, an art gallery, offices and a panoramic bar. Around 4,000 m² of planed 20 x 145 mm boards were laid with the concealed “hardwoodclip” system from Novlek, compliant with DTU 51.4, on a steel structure designed by SPCM. Free of knots and splinters, and not overheating in summer, the Accoya decking withstands the Mediterranean climate while taking on an elegant grey patina. A choice in keeping with the eco-design approach of the architects, who favour bio-based, sustainable materials. Supply by Henry Timber.