Hyperion, Bordeaux
In April 2016, Jean-Paul Viguier et Associes won the competition to design a mixed-use timber tower in the Saint-Jean Belcier district of Bordeaux, France. Taking its name from the world’s tallest living tree, the 57 m tower is part of a larger project that seeks to spur development in the area.
It is the latest in a series of design proposals that have sought to emphasise timber as a viable construction material. For more information, see Timber construction for London.
The tower design incorporates laminated veneer lumber (LVL) and glulam for a post-and-beam substructure, with the first three levels being built in concrete. The flooring and partitions are designed as cross-laminated timber (CLT). The steel and glass elements of the façade use thermal glazing for solar protection and insulation.
Working in partnership with Eiffage and Woodreum, the developers hope the project will provide low carbon timber with more visibility and viability as a sustainable construction option.
Construction of the project will begin next year and completion is expected in 2019.
Content and images courtesy of Jean-Paul Viguier.
For more information, go here.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki:
Featured articles and news
A safe energy transition – ECA launches a new Charter
Practical policy actions to speed up low carbon adoption while maintaining installation safety and competency.
Frank Duffy: Researcher and Practitioner
Reflections on achievements and relevance to the wider research and practice communities.
The 2026 Compliance Landscape: Fire doors
Why 'Business as Usual' is a Liability.
Cutting construction carbon footprint by caring for soil
Is construction neglecting one of the planet’s most powerful carbon stores and one of our greatest natural climate allies.
ARCHITECTURE: How's it progressing?
Archiblogger posing questions of a historical and contextual nature.
The roofscape of Hampstead Garden Suburb
Residents, architects and roofers need to understand detailing.
Homes, landlords. tenants and the new housing standards
What will it all mean?
The Architectural Technology podcast: Where it's AT
Catch-up on the latest episodes.
Edmundson Apprentice of the Year award 2026
Entries now open for this Electrical Contractors' Association award.
Traditional blue-grey slate from one of the oldest and largest UK slate quarries down in Cornwall.
There are plenty of sources with the potential to be redeveloped.
Change of use legislation breaths new life into buildings
A run down on Class MA of the General Permitted Development Order.
Solar generation in the historic environment
Success requires understanding each site in detail.
Level 6 Design, Construction and Management BSc
CIOB launches first-ever degree programme to develop the next generation of construction leaders.
Open for business as of April, with its 2026 prospectus and new pipeline of housing schemes.
The operational value of workforce health
Keeping projects moving. Incorporating unplanned absence and the importance of health, in operations.
A carbon case for indigenous slate
UK slate can offer clear embodied carbon advantages.
Costs and insolvencies mount for SMEs, despite growth
Construction sector under insolvency and wage bill pressure in part linked to National Insurance, says report.