It is one of the more fascinating quirks of humanity that we are never seemingly content with our surroundings. Our industrious nature propels us to build on, reshape and mould the world around us – constantly evolving in our design for it. Nothing is considered out of bounds.
Over time, we have (perhaps naively) allowed ourselves to celebrate the accomplishment of wrestling with nature itself to domesticate it within our grasp – building giant structures that rise to the heavens, and soar above the clouds. We once built these monoliths for religion, power and status (with some notable examples including The Tower of Babel, Siena’s medieval towers and Pisa’s Leaning Tower) but have since progressed to build them for profit and the result has been the almost unfathomably tall colossuses we call skyscrapers.
Metropolises across the globe are dotted with these mammoth structures, reaching far above any height that was once thought possible. As the height of these buildings’ crept up higher, so did the public interest in them – fueling a race for the most luxurious, beautiful and, naturally, tallest buildings in the world.
Those that can spare the capital can now also enjoy living within these architectural marvels – DDW takes a closer look at the world’s best…
Central Park Tower
New York, United States
Standing at 1550 feet tall and situated on Billionaires’ Row, the most expensive street in the world, Central Park Tower is the tallest residential tower in the world. Having topped the record of its predecessor, 432 Park Avenue (at 1397 feet), this building is composed of the most sought after real estate in the world.
Boasting 179 luxury condos, each residence is fitted out with floor-to-ceiling windows that give hypnotising views of New York’s other skyscrapers – including the Empire State Building and One World trade Centre – as well as enviable views of the Upper East Side and Central Park. These inimitable views are facilitated by its vast size and proximity to Central Park and are served by an ultra-fast lift system that can travel at the speed of 2000 feet per minute (making the journey to the top of its 131 floors a short minute and a half journey).
Extell, the building’s developer (who also constructed the iconic One57 and Brooklyn Point) allowed us a sneak peek into Apartment 43C, a $17.5 million residence, decorated by Pembrooke & Ives. Here we found large living spaces decorated with creams and whites to play off the abundant lights from the wrap-around floor to ceiling windows. The 3 bedrooms in 43C are cozy yet luxurious, with the master bathroom featuring a free-standing soak tub and a walk-in shower; along with a sizable walk-in closet.
Beyond the stunning apartments, residents can also enjoy five star amenities such as direct access to the brand new seven-storey Nordstrom, as well as the exclusive Central Park Club that provides access to 50,000 square feet of pools, spas, gyms and bars.
Currently, the luxury tower is still under construction but residents are able to move in later this year. For those in the market for a landmark NYC apartment; a two-bedroom unit stands at $6.9 million, while a five-bedroom, full-floor residence on the 112th floor stands for $63 million.
One Thousand Museum
Miami, United States
The late celebrated architect Zaha Hadid lives on with the opening of her “exoskeleton” skyscraper, finished at the beginning of this year after seven years of construction.
One Thousand Museum is a 62-story skyscraper with only 84 luxury residences; interested buyers can choose between a half-floor residence at $5 million, or a full-floor for $25 million; from four-bedrooms to six-bedroom units.
This sky-high property takes maximum advantage of the sunshine state with its floor-to-ceiling windows, as well as its oversized terraces that altogether provide a gorgeous view of the Miami skyline, Biscayne Bay, and the Atlantic Ocean.
Amenities in this $300M building include a private rooftop helipad, sky lounge, double-height aquatic centre with a beautiful indoor swimming pool, and a spa equipped to make you relax. Residents will be neighbours with many high profile buyers, including British football star, David Beckham.
Steinway Tower
New York City, United States
Adjacent to the Steinway Hall landmark, the historic building lends its name to this upcoming residential skyscraper. Otherwise known as 111 West 57th Street, this 91-story skyscraper is nearing completion where it will come to properly bear its name as the world’s skinniest skyscraper.
Another addition to Billionaires’ Row, the 1428-foot tower only has one residence on each floor, allowing residents to enjoy absolute privacy, in addition to perfect symmetrical views of Central Park. Current listings range from $8.75 million to $57 million.
Developers JDS Development and Property Markets recently allowed a sneak peek of one of the condos (a three-bedroom unit on the 43rd floor interior designed by Studio Sofield); with its own private elevator entrance, the open floor plan allows the kitchen, living area – more than 50 feet long – and dining room to be seamlessly connected. Each bedroom also has its own ensuite marble clad bathroom; the master bathroom in particular had a glossy freestanding soak tub that is different from its porcelain counterpart. Guests can access the additional powder room to ensure maximum privacy.
For potential buyers who take fashion seriously, each residence also has its own dressing hall and walk-in dressing room. Amenities at Steinway Tower, include a 24-hour doorman and concierge, 82-foot swimming pool, and a public outdoor terrace that allows residents to properly take in the high life. Gregg Pasquarelli, whose architecture firm designed the building, described it as “uniquely New York”.
Spire London
London, United Kingdom
Soon to be Western Europe’s tallest residential skyscraper, the soaring structure of Spire Tower will be another skyscraper that will permanently change London’s skyline. At 67-storeys and 771 feet high, this skyscraper in West India Quay by Canary Wharf possesses 861 apartments that are priced between £595,000 and around £3 million.
Potential buyers can have their pick between one, two, or three bedroom apartments, designed with an open-plan layout and luxury in mind. Stained oak timber flooring with underfloor heating is spread throughout the living areas, replaced by ceramic tiled floors and walls in the bathrooms – stone countertops likewise decorate the bathroom and kitchen. In the master bedroom and bathroom, 100% wool carpet provide the ultimate comfort for those heading off to bed, or just getting out of bed during those cold winter mornings.
Polished natural stone floors and walls decorate the master bathroom, and a winter garden with a full-height glazed door ensures that you can quickly catch some fresh air without it affecting the temperature of your home.
For those concerned about leisure activity and their wellness, potential buyers will be pleased to find that the residence is equipped with an infinity pool that can be used throughout all the seasons, a 5-star spa, gym, and cocktail bar.
Principal Tower
London, United Kingdom
Straddling Shoreditch and the City of London lies this new 50-storey residential skyscraper by Foster + Partners, holding 299 luxury apartments.
Designed to fit in with its other development, Amazon’s UK headquarters, Principal Tower is actually composed of three different-sized buildings; the smallest faces Shoreditch, while the middle and high-rise buildings are located towards the city’s financial district.
Potential buyers can choose between one or two bedroom apartments, or penthouses, and each is assured to have its own balcony accessed through floor-to-ceiling glazing.
Foster + Partners were not only architects of the tower, but also lent a hand in its minimal, contemporary interior design that does not deter from the panoramic views of the bustling city. Moreover, the skyscraper comes with a pool, spa, gym, residents’ lounge, and grand lobby that stores a seven-tonne staircase.
Abode318
Melbourne, Australia
Although this luxury residence cannot exactly call itself a “humble” abode, it is an abode second-to-none.
Abode318, contains 450 apartments, provides one, two, or three bedroom-units, over 80 unique floor plans, and double glazed floor-to-ceiling windows that not only provide panoramic views of the city below, but also exploits the abundance of natural light. Designed by Elenberg Fraser and Disegno Australia, the building is designed to be durable, practical, high-quality, and uniquely aesthetic.
This magnificent property takes pride in dedicating multiple spaces for wellness – on the 9th and 55th floor.
Facilities at Abode318 consist of a glamorous, black granite infinity swimming pool, as well as a fully equipped gym, and sauna and steam room ideal after an intense workout. Essential to Australian culture, it also comes with a barbecue terrace, several meeting rooms, and a dining and lounge area perfect for large gatherings.
Burj Khalifa
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Saving the best for last is the Armani Residences at Burj Khalifa. Although the 144 residences of the tower are sandwiched within the 9th-16th floor of this 1921 foot building, they are without a doubt some of the most luxurious on the planet.
Designed by Giorgio Armani himself, no one can dispute that these residential apartments scream luxury at the highest quality. Composed of executive suites of one or two bedrooms, these residences are decorated with Armani’s distinctive furnishings and interiors.
Boasting direct views of the tower’s famous dancing fountains, Dubai Mall and the rest of Downtown Dubai, city-lovers will rejoice at being in the heart of this magnificent city.
Residents staying at the Armani Residences can also directly access the facilities at the Armani Hotel Dubai, located just a few floors above, which means 24/7 room service, and housekeeping, not to mention, admittance to its dizzying array of amenities that include but are not limited to: a library, spa, gym and pool facilities (both lap and swimming), business centre, park, games room, squash court, and mini theatre. For the hard to please, this is the quintessential home in the Middle East.
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