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
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.
The place for vitrified clay pipes in modern infrastructure
Why vitrified clay pipes are reclaiming their role in built projects.
Research by construction PR consultancy LMC published.
Roles and responsibilities of domestic clients
ACA Safety in Construction guide for domestic clients.
Fire door compliance in UK commercial buildings
Architect and manufacturer gives their low down.
The new towns and strategic environmental assessments
12 locations of the New Towns Taskforce reduced to 7 within the new towns draft programme and open consultation.
Buildings that changed the future of architecture. Book review.




















