A five-storey (50 ft.) tsunami wave mosaic, made up of four-inch porcelain tiles, gives this 14-storey mixed-use building a distinct visual character and provides its name.

The challenge was to construct a high-storey multi-dwelling complex which fitted Victoria’s urban character. Only recently has the city approved any structure over 10 storeys, challenging the architect to make it distinctive, rather than intrusive.

 The tall mosaic mural functions like public art, providing a powerful visual image for passing traffic.

 A self-supporting glass canopy, the full width of the building, acts as a cover for ground-floor retail and provides a visually exciting entranceway for the building. The 5/8 inch-thick blue-tinted glass is textured like raindrops on a window, creating a milky glass.

Balcony balustrades in the 104 one and two story condos above repeat the glass detail. Ground-floor lobby has Chinese quartzite tiles on the floor.

 Client Austin Hamilton has done three previous projects with partner, Michael Levin.