The ABB LEAF Awards have revealed the winners of its 16th annual competition, celebrating some of the best new international architectural projects. II BY IV DESIGN was honoured as the winner of the Interior Design Award – Future category, sponsored by Axolight, and also garnered recognition as the Overall Winner of the Year for The Residences of 488 University Avenue. The overall winner was selected from among 78 shortlisted entries across 17 categories, with projects spanning the globe from over 25 countries.
Judged by a panel of 10 jurors including Michele Pasca di Magliano and Viviana Muscettola of Zaha Hadid Architects, Kai-Uwe Bergmann of BIG – Bjarke Ingels Group, and Vanessa Brady, President of the SBID, The Residences of 488 University Avenue is recognized as the best architecture and interior design of 2017.
This recognition comes almost one year after winning the competitive Show Flats and Development category at the 2016 SBID (Society of British and International Design) International Design Awards for the Marketing Centre of the same project, The Residences of 488 University Avenue. The success of both the Marketing Centre and final development are the result of a collaboration with the client, Amexon Development Corporation and the building’s architect, CORE Architects.
Slated for completion in 2018, the Residences of 488 University Avenue will be a 55-storey tower of glass and steel that ascends from a jewelled podium. A feat of engineering, underground parking was excavated, the perimeter foot extended and the building exterior completely re-clad. A new 37-storey condominium with 453 luxurious units will rise above the office tower, with construction occurring while the offices below remain open and operational.
The offices are accessed through the commercial lobby at grade that features floor-to-ceiling glazing and affords a direct connection with the exterior and public transit. Connected to the residential lobby, the combined volumetric space is reminiscent of a jewelry vitrine, merely separated by a mirrored partition, making the voluminous space feel even more grand and ceremonial.
Inside the residential entrance, the design team set the stage with rich wood paneling, glass walls and Art-Deco inspired furnishings. Stepping off the elevators into the 19th floor SkyLobby, the view displays Toronto’s downtown lights. The residential tower features two full floors of light filled space, opening into the sun and swim terrace. With over 30,000 square feet of lifestyle amenities, this condominium is designed to be an urban oasis.
