A Sydney high rise with the world's largest vertical gardens covering its exterior facades has taken out the top prize for Best Innovative Green Building at the 2015 global MIPIM (Le marché international des professionnels de l'immobilier) Awards in Cannes, France, the Oscars of the property world. The awards, now in its 26th year, honour the most outstanding and accomplished real estate projects around the world.

One Central Park, by Frasers Property, Sekisui House Australia, French practice Ateliers Jean Nouvel and Australian firm PTW Architects, was the only Australian finalist in both its nominated categories. It was completed in December 2013 and comprises 623 apartments in two adjoining towers linked by a recreation podium. The building also features a light-reflecting heliostat system, a significant leap towards sustainable living which is the first of its kind to be used in a residential context in Australia.

The Sydney development beat Kastelli – Community Centre in Oulu, Finland by Lahdelma&Mahlamäki Architects; Powerhouse Kjørbo in Oslo, Norway by Snøhetta; and The Edge in Amsterdam, The Netherlands by PLP Architecture. It lost the Best Residential Development prize to Krøyers Plads I by Vilhelm Lauritzen Architects & COBE Architects, a modern version of the old harbour warehouses in Denmark.