Canada's tallest skyscraper becomes first in country above 100 storeys
The SkyTower supertall skyscraper in Toronto, designed by Hariri Pontarini Architects, has become the first building in Canada to surpass 100 storeys.
The residential skyscraper for developer Pinnacle International reached a milestone today on its path to becoming the tallest building in Canada and one of the tallest residential towers on the continent.
Designed by Canadian studio Hariri Pontarini Architects, the supertall skyscraper will reach an estimated 351.85 metres (1,154 feet) tall.
In May, Dezeen showed images of the tower at 71 storeys with some of the exterior cladding complete. Now, it appears that much more of the cladding on the base of the structure has been completed.
When completed, the building will have a slightly sloping facade with balconies on one side that resemble vents.
"We are pleased to celebrate Pinnacle SkyTower reaching 100 storeys," said Pinnacle International president and CEO Michael De Cotiis
"We have created a landmark, one that is making history not only for Toronto, but for all of Canada."
Hariri Pontarini Architects has described Skytower as a "12-sided jewel" with "glazed and tapered form with chamfered corners".
"The design of the Pinnacle Sky Tower is inspired by its urban context and by our goal of establishing a strong sculptural presence on the skyline," said Hariri Pontarini Architects founding partner David Pontarini.
"Its prominent site location at the start of one of Toronto’s main arterial roads called for an architectural expression that would become a landmark on the skyline."
"From the outside, this geometry reflects light in different ways and results in a distinctive silhouette that shifts depending on the angle you view it from," he continued.
"The building amenities on the upper floors will sit at the same general elevation as the CN Tower’s main observation level, creating a visual alignment and relationship on the skyline."
Beyond the stylistic aspects, the architecture studio claims this formal scheme will help the skyscraper bear the heavy winds that blow across Lake Ontario.
Pinnacle SkyTower is part of the larger Pinnacle One development located in Toronto's rapidly developing Harbourfront neighbourhood. It will contain apartments and a hotel as well as amenities, including a restaurant on its 106th floor, its highest.
An adjacent skyscraper in the development will reach 95 storeys.
After a March 2025 variance request, its height was extended to 106 storeys, with its original design only having 95.
The skyscraper will beat out Foster + Partners One Bloor in the city, which became Canada's first supertall skyscraper at 85 storeys and 308.6 metres (1,012 feet) earlier this year.
According to the developer, the tower will top out and begin welcoming residents in 2026.
The project is indicative of the rapid heightening of Toronto's urban landscape. Earlier this year, Dezeen showcased a photo series underlining this rapid development through a juxtaposition of charming older buildings with sparkling new developments.
Elsewhere in the city, Frank Gehry, who died last week, designed the 84-storey Forma skyscraper, one of his tallest and his first skyscraper in his birth city.
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