OVERVIEW
This internationally recognized retailer of body care products wanted to turn a vacant
67,000 sq. ft. c. 1950 printing warehouse into a state-of-the-art office/ production
facility with employee training school and daycare, highlighting a corporate
commitment to profitability based on social and environmental sustainability. The
design incorporates leading-edge energy-saving and waste-reduction features, including
biological waste-treatment ‘Living Machine’, ground-source heat-pumps, extensive
natural day-lighting with extensive building envelope upgrades. Low-impact, recycled
building materials were used through-out including Canada’s first carpeting from recycled
plastic bottles. Lively colours and use of natural finishes mark all interior spaces,
including ‘streets’ showcasing products and new advertising campaigns. The site was
fully landscaped with employee amenity spaces and carefully selected planting, in some
cases used as product ingredients.