Beirut Terraces: 2017 Winner

The SKYDB Awards recognize high-rise buildings that unite architectural quality with practical performance, and Beirut Terraces was selected as the 2017 SKYDB Awards Winner.

The 119-meter residential tower is defined by floor slabs that project by different amounts around the building. These overhangs form deep terraces, shade the glazing and give each apartment a distinct relationship to the outdoors. Planting along the slab edges provides privacy while softening the building's profile against the city and the Mediterranean.

The tower is assembled from five modular floor types that repeat in different combinations. A regular column grid and compact central core allow internal partitions to change without disturbing the overall structure. The award recognizes a residential high-rise that derives its irregular appearance from useful outdoor rooms and a rational construction system.

Architect: Herzog & de Meuron