Tall order: Japanese architects plan 17-storey treehouse-inspired apartment in France

Architects Sou Fujimoto have unveiled plans for a tower block with balconies sprouting outwards in all directions, as part of a series of modern follies underway in Montpellier, France

Heather Young
By
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Do you fancy being king of the jungle? Make like Tarzan and splash the cash on this swanky treehouse-style apartment?

Aptly named L'Arbre Blanc, which translates as The White Tree, the 17-storey
mixed-use tower will follow Fujimoto's ideology that architecture should
reflect forms found in nature.

Sou Fujimoto is collaborating with French studios Manal Rachdi OXO and Nicolas Laisne Architects on this ambitious project.

curved body building tree trunk and balconies like leaves seeking natural light

(Image credit: Manal Rachdi OXO)

The building will feature a curved body reminiscent of a tree trunk,
while the balconies of its 120 apartments are designed to fan outwards
like leaves seeking natural light.

Homes will face different directions, allowing future residents to
select the orientations that best suit their lifestyles.

living area with white wall sofa wooden flooring and outside view

(Image credit: Manal Rachdi OXO)

Living rooms will open out to balconies half as big as the apartments to fit in with Montpellier's tradition of indoor/outdoor living.

And who are we to argue with a spot of outdoor, Mediterranean-style living... pina colada, anyone?

white tree shape building long shot

(Image credit: Manal Rachdi OXO)

The unique 56-metre-tall tower will also feature a restaurant and art gallery, plus a penthouse bar with views of the coastline and mountains. Wowza!

restaurant with white interior and artistic structure

(Image credit: Manal Rachdi OXO)

Unsurprisingly, this rather unusual structure has drummed up a lot of attention in the region.

Construction is set to start on the ambitious The White Tree in July 2015 and is expected to finish in December 2017.

Treehouse of horror or a heavenly ascent? You decide!

For more information on this project visit Nicolas Laisné Associés.

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Heather Young
Heather Young
Editor

Heather Young has been Ideal Home’s Editor since late 2020, and Editor-In-Chief since 2023. She is an interiors journalist and editor who’s been working for some of the UK’s leading interiors magazines for over 20 years, both in-house and as a freelancer.

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