# Tree Fungus Terraces The Quai de la Graille Provides Balconies That Appear to Have Mushroomed Out By Amelia Roblin | Published 2013-03-21 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/quai-de-la-graille References: [contemporist](http://www.contemporist.com/2013/03/20/quai-de-la-graille-by-r2k-architects/) & [r2k-architecte](http://www.r2k-architecte.com/1609-quai-de-la-graille-grenoble/) It almost looks as though the designer of the Quai de la Graille worked to erect an unadorned and monolithic building, only to have it infested by spore-producing organisms on a large scale. The r2k Architects built a thickset tower with subtly rounded edges and a whitewashed finish, speckled with a seemingly random arrangement of rectangular windows. A great asymmetrical awning crowns the edifice as a complementary contemporary feature, but it's the balconies that really make the [French apartment complex](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/yamatani) stand out. Mimicking the [organic shapes of fungus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/intelligent-garden-and-building) on tree trunks, these [cantilevered porches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tallowwood-cabin) project from the facades of the Quai de la Graille in no apparent pattern. Wood-clad undersides and rust-colored metal guardrails further promote this earthy image. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.7/10 - Popularity: 45% | Activity: 27% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/architecture) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Organic Architecture:** The trend towards mimicking natural shapes and forms in architectural design. - **Irregular Canopy Design:** The trend towards asymmetrical and strikingly unique canopies that add an artistic element to buildings. - **Sustainable Material Use:** The trend towards using eco-friendly and natural materials in construction. ### Who This Affects Most - **Real Estate:** Opportunities to incorporate organic shapes and sustainable materials in new building designs to appeal to environmentally-conscious buyers. - **Architecture:** Opportunities to experiment with new and innovative architectural designs and push the limits of what is considered aesthetically pleasing. - **Construction:** Opportunities to incorporate a wider variety of materials and build in more sustainable ways. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Curved Green Towers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-island.md) - [Mushroom-Inspired Dining Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/grybova-hata.md) - [Mushroom-Constructed Room Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mush-room.md) - [Organic Striking Tower Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-leaves.md) - [Warped Stacked Residence Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/quinta-do-rei.md) - [Mushroom-Like Wooden Pavilions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/carbon-garden-pavilion.md) - [Stacked Pebble-Inspired Towers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/calais-port-tower.md) - [Dynamic Concrete Modern Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shire.md) - [Greenery-Filled Skyscraper Terrarium](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/terrarium-cheongdam.md)