Photography courtesy Tyron Branigan

The $372 million 88 Walker tower in North Sydney has received two coveted Awards of Excellence from the Council of Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH). Developed by Billbergia and designed by award-winning architects fitzpatrick + partners, the 50-level mixed-use tower was delivered in 2023 and is the tallest tower in North Sydney.

The CTBUH Awards showcase 88 Walker’s innovation and impact on an international  stage as it joins an elite stable of Australian projects that have received these prestigious global awards.

Standing at 180 metres in height, 88 Walker won Awards in two categories – Best Tall Building by Height (100-199 Metres) and Region (Oceania) and will now compete for ‘Overall Category Winner’ within both divisions.

88 Walker comprises 20 levels of hotel facilities, home to the 252-room Citadines Walker North Sydney hotel, and 24 levels of premium boutique office space acquired by LaSalle Investment Management.

“We’re honoured to have received our first international awards for this monumental project. It is testament to the efforts of our in-house design, engineering and construction teams, our collaborators, and architects fitzpatrick + partners,” said Saul Moran, Development Director – Planning and Design at Billbergia.

“88 Walker has transformed North Sydney’s skyline and enhanced its emerging laneway culture. The tower embodies our commitment to delivering innovative and high-quality mixed-use developments,” he added.

The tower’s signature cantilever also unlocks the airspace above the heritage façade of the former North Sydney Fire Station – now the revamped Firehouse Hotel – creating a distinctive contrast between the old and the new. The cantilever also features a lantern-like illuminated soffit which gently lights the streetscape below.

fitzpatrick + partners concept for 88 Walker is a pair of curved forms with a striking cantilevered design – a stunning feat of engineering almost four years in the making.

Paul Reidy, Partner at fitzpatrick + partners, said, “we are thrilled to be recognised in both categories and are exceptionally proud of the built outcome, which comes from the great collaboration of so many partners from client, engineering teams and architecture. These awards are recognition of the impact a single building can have.”

Established in the USA in 1969, the CTBUH explores the positive impacts of tall buildings in shaping healthy and sustainable cities and is the world’s leading advocate for urban density.

“This year’s submissions showcase the wide spectrum of architectural innovations, construction techniques and urban visions transforming tall-building design internationally, as well as the evolving role of livable density in shaping our cities and skylines,” explained CTBUH CEO Javier Quintana de Uña. “These projects demonstrate not only architectural excellence but also the need to prioritize sustainability, resilience and human-centric design, setting new benchmarks and aspirations for the entire AEC industry.”

Billbergia and fitzpatrick + partners will receive the Awards at the CTBUH Gala Dinner, taking place at London’s Barbican Centre from September 23-27.

News from Build Australia.