The Vessel, Toronto

Photography by Michael Muraz

The Vessel is an office renovation for a financial firm in Bay Street’s Art Deco-style Canada Permanent Building. In its as-found state, the aged offices and meeting rooms on the tower’s uppermost two storeys were in disrepair. Their beautiful heritage elements, however, merited preservation. In the 17^th floor, the main hall was remade as a focal point or “vessel” within the building, its century-old panelled walls, crystal chandeliers and arched plaster ceiling restored, including the ceiling’s handmade plaster medallions and sculpted wreaths. The old doors were removed, and their openings enlarged and framed with minimalist bronze thresholds. The classical setting contrasts with the new workstations arrayed in central bench formation on an abstract black-and-white carpet. On the 18^th floor, the mechanical penthouse was transformed into new offices and a social hub with bar and café. On the rooftop terrace, a golf simulator breaks down barriers and helps close business deals.