The recent intensification of Jarvis Ted Rogers Way and Bloor began with the popular X Condos, the Miesian-inspired tower by Great Gulf and architectsAlliance. The photogenic condominium’s place in the spotlight is about to get smaller, with cladding wrapping up on Monarch Group’s Couture Condos right next door. In spite of its oft-derided name, Couture appears to have pulled through with a sleek design and impressive cladding that were not fully conveyed in the relatively unexceptional renderings. Forum member Alex S stopped by over the weekend and snapped a few shots of the building, with only 6 of the 42 floors left to be clad. 

Couture's western facade, image by Alex S

The tower’s stark black exterior contrasts with that of X to the south, having a more reflective glass installed and corners highlighted in greyish-white cladding. Architects Graziani + Corazza maintained a somewhat similar massing to X but engaged with voids and recesses to make for a more dynamic building as opposed to the solid block next door.

Couture's street-level treatment and podium with X in the background, image by Alex S

The street level treatment is also worth noting; a 2-storey podium is accented by an angular protrusion that marks the building’s entrance. Windows on either side of the entrance angle seemingly at random, breaking the grid-aesthetic of X Condos seen in the background of the image above.

Couture's eastern facade, image by Alex S

Couture expects to be completed later this year, and we’re looking forward to seeing the final product both inside and out. While the building won’t make a notable impact when viewed from the downtown core, check it out the next time you’re heading west along the Bloor Viaduct – it’s definitely giving X and the soon to rise X2 a run for their money.