CSV Architects on Making the Most of Space and Biophilic Design in Ontario

Story at a glance:

• CSV Architects maximized space for the new Mitel Networks in Ontario.
• Biophilic design elements like plants and natural light fill the project.
• The new headquarters has a smaller carbon footprint and more flexible workspace.

Innovative lighting, biophilic design, splashes of color, and flexible workspace are just some of the highlights of this Mitel worldwide headquarters design from CSV Architects.

Known for their emphasis on designing green buildings long before sustainability had mass appeal, CSV Architects has a full-time in-house sustainability consultant and also offers environmental design consulting services to architecture and engineering firms, contractors, developers, municipalities, and private clients.

For Canadian telecommunications company Mitel, CSV Architects was tasked with developing a plan to optimize the new headquarters to maximize efficiency and leverage the opportunity to create a modern work environment. The interior fit-up of Mitel’s worldwide headquarters was a transformation of their newly leased space in Canada’s largest technology park.

After 40 years Mitel Networks relocated its global headquarters to a new facility in Kanata, Ontario. The new space occupies the entirety of the existing three-story building (approximately 153,000 square feet). Mitel had previously occupied 230,000 square feet of space.

A central feature of the design is the two-story “patent stream.” CSV Architects identified the opportunity to repurpose an existing enclosed double height laboratory space into the central collaboration space in the facility. Incorporating this space as well as biophilia throughout the work space, employee health and wellness was the underlying unifying design theme.

Color, light, plants, and sustainable surfaces make up the interior of the new Mitel world headquarters. Photo by Krista Jahnke Photography

The design of this contemporary agile work environment gives way to the newly refreshed office standards, more open collaboration, and flexible meeting spaces while utilizing a smaller carbon footprint than the previous headquarters.