Photography by Scott Norsworthy
In the shell of a newly built industrial unit, a workspace has been created that is inspired by both the Eames’ house and studio and the company’s ethos of care and consideration, with a mix of natural textures, unexpected colour arrangements, off-the-shelf metal components and abundant plant life that extends the adjacent West Toronto Railpath greenery inside. Service spaces including the staircase, washrooms and storage are contained within a two-story box, wrapped in rift cut white-oak veneer, punctured by frameless doors and minimal hardware. The custom-designed desks have the same edging with lilac-coloured linoleum tops and pinboards at windowsill height for some visual and acoustic privacy. As an extension of the plant theme, terracotta was introduced in the mosaic tile and light fixtures by Hand and Eye Studio in the kitchen and meeting rooms. Passing GO trains inspired the dark green exposed ceiling, and a series of movable oak and mint-green fins modulate light and view at the full-height glazed wall in the large meeting room.
