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
Future Homes Standard Essentials launched
Future Homes Hub launches new campaign to help the homebuilding sector prepare for the implementation of new building standards.
Building Safety recap February, 2026
Our regular run-down of key building safety related events of the month.
Planning reform: draft NPPF and industry responses.
Last chance to comment on proposed changes to the NPPF.
A Regency palace of colour and sensation. Book review.
Delayed, derailed and devalued
How the UK’s planning crisis is undermining British manufacturing.
How much does it cost to build a house?
A brief run down of key considerations from a London based practice.
The need for a National construction careers campaign
Highlighted by CIOB to cut unemployment, reduce skills gap and deliver on housing and infrastructure ambitions.
AI-Driven automation; reducing time, enhancing compliance
Sustainability; not just compliance but rethinking design, material selection, and the supply chains to support them.
Climate Resilience and Adaptation In the Built Environment
New CIOB Technical Information Sheet by Colin Booth, Professor of Smart and Sustainable Infrastructure.
Turning Enquiries into Profitable Construction Projects
Founder of Develop Coaching and author of Building Your Future; Greg Wilkes shares his insights.
IHBC Signpost: Poetry from concrete
Scotland’s fascinating historic concrete and brutalist architecture with the Engine Shed.
Demonstrating that apprenticeships work for business, people and Scotland’s economy.
Scottish parents prioritise construction and apprenticeships
CIOB data released for Scottish Apprenticeship Week shows construction as top potential career path.
From a Green to a White Paper and the proposal of a General Safety Requirement for construction products.
Creativity, conservation and craft at Barley Studio. Book review.
The challenge as PFI agreements come to an end
How construction deals with inherited assets built under long-term contracts.
Skills plan for engineering and building services
Comprehensive industry report highlights persistent skills challenges across the sector.
Choosing the right design team for a D&B Contract
An architect explains the nature and needs of working within this common procurement route.
Statement from the Interim Chief Construction Advisor
Thouria Istephan; Architect and inquiry panel member outlines ongoing work, priorities and next steps.