M6B2 Tower of Biodiversity
In November 2016, architecture studio Maison Edouard Francois (MEF) revealed their latest project - the M6B2 Tower of Diversity, a green apartment tower in Paris.
Located on the southern bank of the River Seine, plants grow up the exterior of the tower, and are intended to spread seeds across the city. The project plans to show that plant and animal life can be incorporated effectively into high-rise structures to form environmentally-friendly cities.
The 16-storey, 50 m-high tower, benefs from an exemption to Paris' 37 m building height restriction, and continues on from MEF's previous plant-covered architecture projects.
The facade consists of a double skin - the outer layer comprising stainless steel netting that acts as a climbing frame for plants. The mesh extends up and over the roof of the building and a rooftop garden. The idea is that seeds will be spread from the building when the wind blows.
Recyclable green titanium panels make up the inner layer, and give the tower a shimmering 'beacon-like' appearance when hit by the sun. The green colour is intended to provide a moss-like aesthetic.
Balconies positioned between the two facade layers wrap around the entire building, creating a curved outline.
Exposed concrete inside the stairwells and hallways is offset by vibrant paintwork and lighting.
According to MEF:
"In France, 'village' urbanism seems to be adamantly resisting the vertical city, without truly considering its potential. One of the objectives of our project is to quell these hesitations. Covered with plants from wild natural areas, our tower is a tool for seeding: it allows the wind to spread class-one purebred seeds into the urban environment."
MEF's environmental strategy for the project over the next 20 years doesn't stop at climbing vines, they expect to see conifer and oak trees growing on site as well.
Photographs © Pierre L'Excellent.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Net zero electricity grids BSRIA guide NZG 5/2024
Outlining the changes needed to transition to net zero.
CIOB Global Student Challenge 2024
Universitas Indonesia wins for second year running.
New project and cultural district described in detail.
The nature of EPCs, crticism and inaccuracies.
History, issues and redesign.
From waste recycling to energy performance the hierchy.
An introduction to WERCS and WEEE responsibilities
Dealing 2 million tonnes of waste equipment a year.
Global BACS Market: analytics and optimisation
A BSRIA glance at building automation and control systems.
What it is and how to use it.
Types of insulating plaster by binder and insulant.
Investors in People: CIOB achieves gold
Reflecting a commitment to employees and members.
Scratching beneath the surface; a guide to selection.
ECA 2024 Apprentice of the Year Award
Entries open for submission until May 31.
UK gov apprenticeship funding from April 2024
Brief summary the policy paper updated in March.
For the World Autism Awareness Month of April.