# Mass-Timber Apartment Blocks Local Architecture Network Completes the Wood Up Apartment Block By Amy Duong | Published 2025-01-14 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wood-up References: [dezeen](https://www.dezeen.com/2025/01/13/lan-wood-up-tower-paris/) & [lan-paris](https://www.lan-paris.com/)  French design studio [Local Architecture Network](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/local-architecture-network) completed the [Wood Up](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wood-slatted-house) apartment block located in Paris. The project is defined by the chunky columns which wrap the exterior of the design. It also has a glued-laminated and [cross-laminated timber](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/843-n-spring-street) build. Wood Up is created for developers Semapa and REI Habitat to provide 132 timber-framed apartments propped on a concrete base with commercial units. The studio spoke about the design to Dezeen, noting "Wood Up is one of the first buildings in France to surpass the typical height limits for timber constructions. Generally protected and hidden, the wooden structure is instead deliberately exposed. It is entirely encapsulated in glass to make it visible. Usually matte, the wood becomes reflective thanks to its protective layer." Image Credit: Charly Broyez ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.8/10 - Popularity: 30% | Activity: 19% | Freshness: 34% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Exposed Timber Architecture:** Architectural designs are embracing exposed timber structures, showcasing the natural beauty and structural strength of wood, which disrupts traditional building aesthetics. - **Innovative High-rise Timber Construction:** Exceeding typical height limitations for timber buildings presents a novel approach in urban architecture, signaling disruptive potential in sustainable city planning. - **Reflective Wood Finish Techniques:** Applying reflective protective layers to timber highlights new aesthetic possibilities, creating opportunities in construction material innovation. ### Where This Applies - **Sustainable Construction:** The use of cross-laminated and glued-laminated timber in large-scale projects marks a transformative phase in eco-friendly building practices. - **Real Estate Development:** Incorporating timber-framed designs into high-density housing offers a new frontier for real estate innovators focused on sustainable urban living. - **Architectural Design:** Timber's transition from hidden to feature material in high-rise buildings is redefining architectural norms and inspiring creative use of natural materials in design. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Woodland-Inspired Timber Office Spaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pavilion-jardins.md) - [Wooden Residential Parisian Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/yamatani.md) - [Stone-Clad Commercial Blocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/local-architecture-network.md) - [Mass-Timber Office Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/olympic-games-office.md) - [Steel-Cladded Social Housing](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/social-housing-1.md) - [Mass-Timber Education Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/john-w-boyer-center.md) - [Mass-Timber Transport Hubs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/marengo-multimodal-transport-hub.md) - [Mass-Timber Expansive Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/katajanokan-laituri.md) - [Laminated-Timber Minimal Houses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spruce-house.md)