Story at a glance:
- CSV Architects’ new Ottawa office is targeting two-star Fitwel certification.
- The team emphasized sustainable materials, including carpet made from recycled content.
- People-centric design includes ergonomic workstations, flexible collaboration spaces, and plentiful light.
Biophilic design, daylighting, bike storage—these are just three of the many green design features emphasized by sustainable design experts CSV Architects when they set out to design their new office in downtown Ottawa.
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- A wood slat ceiling is made from FSC-certified wood, while workstation furniture is all GreenGuard-certified and made from FSC-certified wood. Photo by Krista Jahnke Photography
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- All of CSV Architects’ new office’s finishes are low- and no-VOC. The carpet tile is made of 81% total recycled content, including 100% recycled nylon made in part from reclaimed fishing nets. Photo by Krista Jahnke Photography
The project at 190 O’Connor is targeting the two-star Fitwel certification, and its location is central both to the buzzing city around it and Ottawa’s new LRT (light rail transit).
The office is located on the ground floor of a 1960s office tower, and its design gives the team of architects the opportunity to work surrounded by the large continuous windows that frame the north and east facade. Views of downtown Ottawa bring life into the office, which is filled with light both from the plentiful windows and repurposed LED light fixtures.
CSV Architects’ new Ottawa office is targeting two-star Fitwel certification. Photo by Krista Jahnke Photography
The office’s large ergonomic workstations include height-adjustable desks. Wide corridors provide great flow and are interspersed with touchdown collaboration stations. The new office includes smaller phone booths as well as a large boardroom and a large studio space for collaboration.
All of the office’s new finishes are low- and no-VOC. The carpet tile is made up of 81% total recycled content, including 100% recycled nylon made in part from reclaimed fishing nets.
The kitchen table is locally crafted using reclaimed maple. All of the appliances are Energy Star–certified with the lowest energy use possible. Photo by Krista Jahnke Photography
“We wanted a workplace that reflects our vision to ‘provide sustainable communities through meaningful architectural design and collaborative discussion.’ We now have an office environment that reflects the values of the firm and provides a space that promotes employee well-being.”
To support staff wellness, indoor bike storage is provided to encourage cycling to work. The walk and transit scores of the site are both 100. Photo by Krista Jahnke Photography
