43 GERRARD STREET WEST

43 GERRARD STREET WEST

Located at the southwest corner of Bay & Gerrard streets in downtown Toronto, is this 43-storey high-rise rental residential project composed of two classical architectural parts; a retail “base” (with some residential units contained within it) and a high-rise “tower” above, exemplifying modern mixed-use design principles.

The retail base, extending the full length of the site, is articulated as a continuously folded ribbon of black zinc fascias and tangerine-coloured soffits, which visually links the retail and residential programs together. Set within this horizontal folded framework, is a crystalline object made from butt-glazed low iron glass, whose vertical zigzag texture signals the building’s main entrance. Adjacent to it, is a pedestrian and vehicular “pass-through”, allowing people and cars to access Walton Street to the south, as well as providing access to loading docks, underground parking and bicycle storage. At the base’s easternmost end, adjacent to the “pass-through”, can be found a solid black mass containing shuttle elevators for accessing the underground parking, as well as the overnight guest suite on the floor above.

The high-rise residential tower is expressed as three abutting vertical materials: silver glass, dark grey glass and white fritted horizontal glass balconies. The white balconies, set between the silver and dark grey glass facades, act as a “reveal”, visually separating the vertical glass elements from one another, while giving the building a striking appearance. The combination of these three elements forms the basic composition of the high-rise tower.

Unlike classical tall buildings, whose tower tops typically culminate with a traditional architectural “hat”, this modern re-interpretation places the architectural focus at the mid-point of the tower, in closer proximity to the street below. We achieved this by shifting the three vertical tower elements sideways and introducing a highly reflective glass “sky-lounge”. This move effectively interrupts the tower’s vertical expression and creates a striking juxtaposition of forms.

At the intersection of tower and base, can be found most of the building’s public amenities. Here, specialized tenant programs are placed both within the building and on the adjacent outdoor terrace. The retail base, being a mere six storeys above Gerrard Street, creates an intimate connection with the city streets below, capturing some of the best architectural qualities associated with urban living.

LOCATION: Toronto, Ontario

ARCHITECT: IBI Group Architects

DESIGN LEADERSHIP: Michael Poitras,
Consultant-in-Charge of Design (IBI)

CLIENT: G.W.L. Realty Advisors

STATISTICS:

  • No. of storeys: 43
  • Total floor area:
    441,320 ft2 (41,000 m2)
  • Total height: 460 ft2 (140 m2)
  • Below grade parking: 340 stalls
    (including 12 barrier-free)

MATERIALS:

  • White, silver & black curtain wall windows & doors
  • White, silver & black window wall
  • Flamed black granite floors & walls
  • Black zinc fascias
  • Composite wood decking (grey)
  • Glass guardrails
  • Tangerine painted DensDeck soffits
  • Outdoor landscaping

GENERAL PROGRAM:

  • Residential (rented):
    595 units (studio, 1, 2 & 3-bedroom units)
  • Ground floor retail
  • Indoor Amenities:
    • Double-height lounge/sitting area with fireplaces
    • Screening room
    • Games room
    • Private function areas with kitchen facilities
    • Fully equipped fitness room
    • Yoga/aerobics studio
    • Dog spa
    • Sky-lounge (24th floor)
  • Outdoor Amenities:
    • Dining & lounge areas
    • Children’s play area
    • Landscaping with fireplaces
    • Built-in barbecues
    • Dog walk

LEED: Silver

COST: $210 million

COMPLETION: 2018