Sweeny&Co provided Architecture, Interior Design, Planning and Urban Design for this unique 115,000 sf headquarters for Chartwell Retirement Residences. The innovative approach allowed for the very efficient use of the land on a tight site and increased the efficiency of the building with two levels of above grade structured parking to raise the building up, enhance views and avoid costly below grade parking. The offset core creates more flexibility for programming, efficient use of space and the ability to create an addition that will be serviced by a single core. The streetscape of this low-rise building, in context with neighbouring buildings, is clad in natural materials of steel and stone that anchors the built form to the landscape within this park like setting on a site adjacent Fletcher's Creek and Derrydale Golf Course.
The high performance building consists of two floors of flexible office space above the two storey open parking structure and the two-storey ‘Hub’ space that serves as cafeteria or Town Hall for their 300+ Head Office staff. A central staircase connects various spaces in the Hub such as the cafeteria, kitchen, fitness, meeting rooms and with cafes and lounge zones on all floors. The natural setting was ideal to create outdoor amenities to connect Occupants to fresh air, sunshine and nature including a green terrace, patio, BBQ and picnic area and a walking trail. Like all office buildings designed by Sweeny&Co, significant sustainable features contribute to occupant health, wellness and comfort as well as energy efficiency of the building. The electrochromatic, floor to ceiling glazing product, specified green to be conducive to its natural setting, reduces heat load and blocks 90% of solar glare as well as enhancing the occupant access to the spectacular views.
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