"This bespoke residence will stand as a beacon of refinement and opulence, signifying Toronto's ascent on the global stage as a world-class city and attracting residents who seek the highest level of luxury."
—Peter Politis, CEO of Greybrook
The renowned architect and designer responsible for Toronto’s newest dazzling crown jewel, 138 Yorkville, talk true luxury, creating enduring interiors, and how their exclusive residences strike a balance between impeccable curation and extraordinary refinement.
In the heart of Toronto lies 138 Yorkville residences—the promise of uncompromising luxury and unparalleled opulence. A thoughtfully manicured streetscape complete with a central waterfall and signature 50-foot maple tree gives rise to a rhythmic façade-replete with undulating terraces and smooth lines —that effortlessly blends contemporary relevance with timeless grace. Within lies 67 distinctive private residences that will soon take their place among the world’s most preeminent addresses. Ranging from 2,400 to 13,000 square feet, the forthcoming 138 Yorkville is set to redefine luxury living for discerning city dwellers the world over. “The masterpiece at 138 Yorkville is defined by modern architecture and elegant design,” says Peter Politis, CEO of Greybrook, the Toronto-based private equity firm developing the project alongside First Capital and Cityzen.
Coming summer/fall of 2028, 138 Yorkville melds enduring elegance and sophistication with impactful design and architecture to create a new benchmark in urban living. With innumerable, personalized five-star hospitality services-including a round-the-clock concierge team ready to anticipate every need and desire, valet services, private vault rooms, private garages, and a cutting-edge fitness and wellness center-138 Yorkville is poised to leave an enduring impression on the global community. Architectural Digest got the chance to catch up with the visionaries behind the in-the-sky oasis, architect Brian Brisbin of Brisbin Brook Beynon Architects and renowned designer Alessandro Munge of Studio Munge, to learn more about creating a meticulously adorned residence.
The residences of 138 Yorkville turn a keen eye to the relationship between architecture and design, creating a seamless dialogue between the two. Can you walk through the design process for such a storied residence?
Brisbin: The desire for an extraordinary living experience is at the root of 138 Yorkville, and we wanted to bring that notion to the forefront in a distinctive and elevated way. This starts at the street- level piazza, which scales upward to a tower ripe with materiality and form, allowing residents to seamlessly transition from vibrant city living to the intimacy of a personalized residence.
Munge: The interplay between architecture and interior design was a guiding principle from the very beginning. We treated the design of 138 Yorkville as an integral part of the architectural narrative, ensuring that the interiors felt like a natural extension of the building’s form and structure. We wanted to create a space that would engage the senses every detail was thoughtfully curated to evoke emotion and enhance well-being. The result is a residence where architectural precision and human experience come together seamlessly, offering a lifestyle that feels sophisticated, intimate, and timeless.
"When curating the designer finishes and furnishings for 138 Yorkville, we made a conscious decision to avoid fleeting trends and predictable clichés. Instead, we focused on crafting timeless interiors that embody lasting elegance and refinement."
—Alessandro Munge
In a world where the word “luxury” can take on so many different expressions, how did you narrow in on the aesthetic distinction of the residences at 138 Yorkville?
Brisbin: The aesthetic direction emerged naturally from the area’s unique character, through a carefully selected material palette that reflects the neighborhood’s legacy and its distinguished future residents. The goal was to create a residential destination where luxury wasn’t just seen, but felt. 138 Yorkville’s inimitable DNA reveals itself in subtle moments and timeless details of aesthetic harmony.
Munge: When curating the designer finishes and furnishings for 138 Yorkville, we made a conscious decision to avoid fleeting trends and predictable clichés. Instead, we focused on crafting timeless interiors that embody lasting elegance and refinement. Our buyers have access to the finest things in life, so we meticulously designed every corner to meet the highest standards of excellence while celebrating individuality. The result is a modern, relevant, and undeniably exquisite living experience of pure luxury.
How did you cater the design of the residences’ interiors to such a global and elite clientele?
Munge: We invested considerable time into understanding our future residents, recognizing that they could not be defined by a single personality type. Instead, we identified three distinct character profiles that served as our guiding compass throughout the design process, helping to foster a sense of uniqueness across the building. Our goal was to offer the ultimate luxury: individuality through thoughtful customization. The end result is interiors that evoke the quiet confidence of a tailored suit and the elegant precision of couture, setting a new benchmark for bespoke living.
It requires carving out a unique path and delivering a residential experience that's entirely without precedent. We pushed ourselves to exceed the developers' vision, surpass the buyers' expectations, and inspire the design community and we're hitting the mark.
—Alessandro Munge
There seems to be a lot of biophilic references throughout the design—from natural materials and sprawling windows to the terraces lined with trees. Was that an important factor in reimagining what luxury city living could look like?
Brisbin: We sought to create not just a residence, but a flourishing piece of art that resonates with the distinctiveness of each resident and the soul of Yorkville. The blend of contemporary forms, timeless materials, and biophilic integration champions the idea that true luxury lies in spaces that tell a story and grow with their inhabitants. The architectural language of 138 Yorkville is firmly rooted in the notion that it’s more than just a place to live-it’s a place that lives.
Creating a boundary-breaking residence can’t be without its challenges. Were there any major challenges you had to overcome through the process?
Brisbin: Constructing a “vertical forest” with more than 120 specialized trees in a high-rise required careful consultation with arborists, irrigation specialists, and technical specialists. With them, residences become skyward terraced villas and home is both inside and out. The stratum of gardens acts as a geometric and beautiful monument to the practice of living well.
Munge: To me, the greatest challenge in setting new standards is acknowledging the competitive landscape while also recognizing that there is no real competition at this level. It requires carving out a unique path and delivering a residential experience that’s entirely without precedent. We pushed ourselves to exceed the developers’ vision, surpass the buyers’ expectations, and inspire the design community and we’re hitting the mark.