Oxford Properties Group Offices – Toronto

Firm
  • Client Oxford Properties Group,
  • size 5,030 sqft
  • Year 2020
  • Location Toronto, Canada,
  • Industry Real Estate Services,
  • Connect Resource Managers and Planners was trusted with the office design for real estate investment and management company, Oxford Properties Group, located in Toronto, Canada.

    Oxford Properties was looking to rebrand their 200 Bay St. office complex in downtown Toronto, Ontario. Located on the 10th floor of the north tower, the Workplace Innovation Challenge was born – an interior design competition featuring 4 top Toronto design firms who each partnered with an established downtown general contractor. Design teams were challenged to push the boundaries of office design and create a turn-key, innovative and furnished workspace for the next generation tenant with a maximum budget of $120.00/sq. ft.

    The winning suite was designed by Toronto based Connect Resource Managers and Planners and New York based architectural firm BVN with construction services by The Jesslin Group. Together, they transformed the 5,030 sq ft “District 1” suite into “The Puzzle” – duly named for its ability to be easily reconfigured into multiple uses and also turn the challenging chevron style perimeter design of the building into an efficient space plan. In lieu of drywall construction, a stand-alone system of freestanding podiums was added to create more circulation and flex space alongside a vibrant black, white and yellow colour scheme reflecting views to the atrium and outdoors.

    Connect and BVN intended to challenge traditional design, contract furniture and construction models. Firstly, the suite is assembled as a “kit of parts” instead of constructed. An overhead “X track” sliding wall system with whiteboard and cork faced panels quickly transform work zones into collaboration areas or discreetly stack for town halls or social events. The specification of the innovative Falkbuilt – a new to market and Canadian manufactured digital construction partition system allows for ease of reconfiguration and flexibility.

    Using “out-of-the-box” thinking and on-site problem solving, environmental and wellness initiatives were made a priority. The suite was built with zero drywall construction resulting in near zero construction waste. A biophilic birch tree graphic using digital vertical wall painting In lieu of traditional, waste creating vinyl serves as a vibrant backdrop. Other “green” initiatives include renewable and acoustical cork wall tiles, zero flooring adhesives, acoustical felt ceiling panels and a Wellness Area complete with plants and stunning meditative views of Toronto’s historic Union Station.

    Flip- top and sit-stand workstations maximize flexibility and end user wellness. Retractable power cords hang from the open deck ceiling – a significant cost savings compared to standard core drills. Reconfigurable and stackable platform boxes offer collaborative seating and efficiently tuck into the “v” shaped perimeter. Writable wall paint inspires ad hoc collaboration zones in otherwise unusable areas. Even the reception desk is movable and easily converted to additional workspace.

    The successful integration between designer and general contractor scored top marks from the judges. Oxford Properties was rewarded with a sustainable, flexible “office of the future” economically built and furnished within an aesthetically beautiful space. The winning formula resulted in District 1 being the first suite in the competition to be leased making the rebranding of 200 Bay St. complete and the first Workplace Innovation Challenge an overwhelming success

    Design: Connect Resource Managers and Planners
    Photography: Dale Wilcox