Technological innovation and construction tradition. "matière en résonance" by sauerbruch hutton

A wide array of models, along with a carefully curated selection of photographs, comprise "matière en résonance / matter in resonance", the exhibition presented by sauerbruch hutton at La Galerie d'Architecture in the French capital. Open to the public until February 28, the exhibition reflects the Berlin-based studio's ongoing exploration of wood, a material in which technological innovation engages with traditional building techniques.

If the 20th century was marked by the use of concrete, the global resurgence of wood has defined the course of the 21st century. A natural and ancient material, it offers remarkable adaptability and a low carbon footprint, playing a central role in contemporary debates on sustainability. Beyond its technical qualities, its use proposes an alternative vision of modernity and reactivates long-standing collective imaginaries.

"matière en résonance" by sauerbruch hutton. Photograph by Jan Bitter.

Through “matière en résonance / matter in resonance”, the sauerbruch hutton team showcases over two decades of research into the possibilities of timber construction. In their projects, this living material assumes multiple functions: from building envelopes and façade elements to load-bearing structures and modular systems. Through each work, the studio expands both the technical potential and the atmospheric dimension of wood in contemporary architecture.

«matière en résonance» por sauerbruch hutton. Fotografía por Jan Bitter.

"matière en résonance" by sauerbruch hutton. Photograph by Jan Bitter.

As part of the exhibition program, guided tours are offered in English and French. Additionally, a roundtable discussion was held on February 12th with Louisa Hutton and Julia Knaak, along with Much Untertrifaller (Dietrich Untertrifaller Architects) and Marine de la Guérande (Think Tank Architecture), moderated by Barry Bergdoll, professor at Columbia University.

Isometric. "matière en résonance" by Sauerbruch Hutton.

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More information

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Exhibition

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matière en résonance.

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Exhibition concept

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sauerbruch hutton.

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Project team

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Julia Knaak with Lucía Alonso, Isabelle Hartmann, Sabine Hertwig, Claus Marquart, Amelie Schleifenheimer, Kemal Tezcan.

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Collaborators

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Models.- sauerbruch hutton: Zubaidah Aali, Jörg Albeke, Denise Murray Schlegel, Amelie Schleifenheimer; Werk 5.
Photography.- Adrien Barakat, Jan Bitter, Margot Gottschling, Andreas Meichsner, Helmuth Scham, Mark Seelen.

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Dates

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03–28 February 2026.

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Location

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La Galerie d'Architecture, 11 Rue des Blancs Manteaux, 75004 Paris, France.

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Photography

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Jan Bitter.

Architects Sauerbruch Hutton

Sauerbruch Hutton is an international agency for architecture, urban planning and design that, founded in London in 1989, is now based in Berlin. The office realises individual and sustainable solutions for architectural projects, urban master plans, interiors, furniture and exhibitions. Pleasure in the sensual handling of space and material, curiosity for technical and spatial innovation, and the responsible use of all kinds of existing resources constitute the focus of Sauerbruch Hutton’s architectural practice.

An experienced team of 100 employees works in an interconnected, democratic and interdisciplinary environment, sharing tasks and responsibilities in a process of intensive dialogue. This equal and open working culture finds its equivalent in a contemporary company structure that sees responsibilities carried by a group of 16 partners and 14 associates. This broad base creates a flexible and dynamic environment that fosters the preservation and development of common values.

Award selection.-

2021 Deutscher Holzbaupreis · Berlin Metropolitan School.
2020 THE PLAN AWARD · M9 Venice-Mestre.
2019 Deutscher Holzbaupreis · Woodie, Hamburg.
2017 Wohnbau Preis Hamburg · Woodie, Hamburg.
2015 Deutscher Architekturpreis · Immanuelkirche, Cologne.
2015 Deutscher Holzbaupreis · Immanuelkirche, Cologne.
2013 Gottfried Semper Architekturpreis.
2012 Energy Performance + Architecture Award.
2011 Best Tall Building Worldwide · KfW Westarkade, Frankfurt.
2011 Holcim Award for Sustainable Construction · Low2No, Helsinki.
2010 Premio de Honor Internacional de Construcción Sostenible de Castilla y León.
2003 Fritz Schumacher Award for Architecture.
1998 Erich Schelling Architekturpreis.