Named the Rainbow Tree, this innovative condominium tower built in Cebu City in the Philippines has gotten its name from the iconic rainbow eucalyptus tree which is local to this area.
This plant is popular for its rainbow effect that happens when the bark begins to peel off and unravels layers of various colors.
This building is a mimic of this natural rainbow through the usage of more than 30,000 tropical plants throughout the 32 stories.
And, it’s not only the native tree which is implemented in this building; Vincent Callebaut Architectures also designed the materials and organized the building with a consideration of the city’s mixed cultural heritage and one-of-a-kind architectural language.
One of the most Stunning New Buildings: the Rainbow Tree Building
The nipa huts used by travelling indigenous people are the inspiration behind the 1200 pre-fabricated wooden modules that are stacked throughout the tower.
Thanks to this module design, it allows passive cooling which lowers or removes the need for artificial conditioning inside, ultimately being energy-saving.
The usage of these passive techniques and modern construction methods gives the designers a chance to accomplish their dual environment certification with BERDE and LEED.
To ensure it’s a real vertical forest, the architects used a cross-laminated timber. This wood construction tech involves layering wood with structural adhesive.
It’s used through the building as its structural core, façade system, and for the load-bearing walls.
It Has a Long List of Impressive Features
The dark bands that are wrapped around the balconies are wooden and the coloring is done using the Yakisugi method originating from Japan involving the burning of the wood’s surface.
This process is advantageous for wood in various ways, including resistance to fire and natural insecticide.
The balconies are stunning with tropical plants and trees adorning them-all color-organized to mimic the tree.
The plants also help keep up the biodiversity of the tropical forests of the island.
And, it lowers urban heat effect on humans and gives a pleasant environment. Moreover, the tower’s forest takes in CO2 and provides a cleaner and more breathable air.
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