The White Tree (L’Arbre Blanc)an apartment block in Montpellier, France

Piercing the skyline and sprouting branch-like balconies, an apartment block resembling a giant tree is set to come to life in Montpellier, France.

Aptly called The White Tree (L’Arbre Blanc), at 17-storeys, the high-rise building embodies the capabilities of 21 century architecture. As its name suggests, the building's unusual shape takes inspiration from the tree form, with endless stair-step balconies protruding off the building's trunk-like core in the same way branches do on trees.

The 17-storey apartment block resembling a tree is set to be built in Montpellier, France next year
Called The White Tree, balconies and shade decks will hang off the tower like branches, creating shade and drawing light into the building

The structure's French and Japanese architects were inspired by Montpellier's outdoor living and the form of a tree
It will feature a rooftop penthouse bar with sweeping ocean and mountain views, an art gallery and restaurant
Residents will be able to choose from 120 units offering many different floor plans
Montpillier hopes to build 12 architectural follies - buildings featuring an extravagant appearance and challenging traditional architectural ideas