Ïce is a three-tower complex that is transforming the former CN Railway Lands at the foot of Toronto’s York Street. Each tower has a distinct personality that reflects its program. The office tower – modernist, rational, transparent – incorporates innovative ‘double-skinned’ building technology that controls solar gain. Two slender residential towers have sculpted, highly articulated profiles that frame views of the Lake. Despite the substantial increase in density, existing view corridors through the site are preserved.

Seven-meter high open spaces are situated at the base of each tower, linked by a series of public promenades, open-air walkways and a landscaped urban plaza. A raked podium – the first of its size in Toronto – links the towers and extends out to the property, providing year-round protection to this enriched public realm. Shaped openings in the podium allow light to filter into the plaza, and provide room for the future growth of a grove of young trees.