Teehan+Lax Offices
Teehan+Lax is an interactive design agency in Toronto that focuses on user experience design and digital marketing. Some of their clients include: Virgin Mobile Canada, Bell, Air Miles, John Hancock, and The Toronto Star.
The client specializes in the design and implementation of web-based customer experiences and required a move to larger office space to accommodate a rapid expansion of their business. The client was looking for a light-filled, open space that would encourage staff interaction on projects. To this end, the client wanted to minimize walls in the space that might cut off light and traffic flow.
The chosen location was a raw space located in a 19th century heritage building in the Liberty Village district of Toronto and the new office space was to be constructed to adhere to established LEED guidelines. The design of the space focused on a palette of whites, greys and blacks using slick materials and finishes for the custom millwork and furnishings. To maintain light flow in the space, the main meeting room was designed as a glass box fitted with automated blinds, lowered to allow for privacy for presentations.
Creative collaboration is promoted with a “creative pit” containing a custom 15’ x 15’ sectional surrounding two large ottomans inviting staff to put their feet up while using their laptops. Light for the creative pit is provided with a custom large-scale light fixture with a housing clad in a textured black piano finish laminate and a high-tech translucent neoprene fabric disk shade. All available wall surfaces were also clad in a whiteboard wallpaper to encourage brainstorming sessions.
The lighting incorporates the latest in LED and fluorescent lighting technology ensuring that the wattage met LEED light power density requirements. Special care was also taken to ensure that all materials chosen met LEED requirements. Care was also taken to minimize construction waste with a 75% diversion rate from landfill by reducing unnecessary materials entering the site and recycling materials where possible.
Design: Roy Banse Design