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Paris-based studio Vincent Callebaut Architectures has designed a modular mass timber residential tower they have coined The Rainbow Tree, proposed for Cebu City on the island of Cebu in the Philippines. The 32-storey, 115-metre-tall building would be constructed of solid wood and adorned with plant species from neighbouring tropical forests.
The Rainbow Tree derives its name from Eucalyptus Deglupta, a common and colourful tree found in the Philippines. The tree loses its bark in long and narrow strips to reveal a trunk that changes colour over time.
The project would be located within the 50-hectare Cebu Business Park at the intersection of Samar Loop and Avenue Cardinal Rosales. Designed to achieve "a perfect balance between mixed cultural heritage and natural heritage of unparalleled splendor," the development would be dressed in over 30,000 plants, shrubs and trees to create a dramatic rainbow effect on the facade.
Composed of 1,200 prefabricated modules measuring four metres wide and between 3.2 and 4.8 metres tall, the cross laminated timber tower would act as a sequestration well, storing carbon within its solid wood frame. Wood construction also has the benefit of requiring less energy during manufacturing than concrete or steel.
The 300-apartment building would host 120 parking spaces in a three-level underground garage, with offices and a restaurant situated on the first floor. A co-working space on the second floor joins access ramps to a silo car park system which occupies levels three through six. Residential amenities, including a pool, spa and fitness centre, would be contained on the seventh and eighth floor. There would be 13 apartments on each level from the ninth to 31st floor, where an urban sky farm produces fruits and vegetables by and for inhabitants. Finally, 1,650 square metres of photovoltaic panels rest on the crown of the building.
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