Case Studies / Trivaris

• 175 Longwood Road South, Suite 400A
  Hamilton, Ontario
• 2008-2009
• 23,000 sq ft

SERVICES

• Programming and pre-design
• Schematic design
• Design development
• Workplace Strategy
• Interior Design
• Construction Management
• Product Delivery
• Product Installation
• Reconfiguration
• Moves
• Furniture
• Flooring
• Signage

Trivaris is a commercialization capital firm. They transform great ideas into great businesses through investment in research and development. As the business becomes a ‘profit centre’ or self sustainable, they proverbially ‘kick the chick out of the nest’ and set it in flight.

Trivaris relocated from Burlington to the entire fourth floor of the McMaster Innovation Park, a largely abandoned 37 acre industrial site which is being transformed into a collaborative environment for academic, government, and industry research and development.

The space was designed by Mayhew to reflect the innovation present uniquely as an open space office which fostered collaboration amongst a multitude of smaller companies which shared a common space.

Mayhew engaged employees at the outset to understand their goals and objectives upon which to establish the design criteria. The design solution met stated objectives by providing an open space working environment which supported collaborative, smarter and creative interaction.

MAYHEW INGENUITY

Unconventional & creative solutions Trivaris engaged Mayhew to transform an old manufacturing plant into a space that was reflective of cutting edge inventiveness that could support collaboration and promote productivity amongst diverse incubator companies. Moderate budgets commensurate with recessionary economics necessitated unconventional and creative applications to meet unique workplace objectives.

REQUIREMENTS

Trivaris specifically wanted the space to present uniquely as an open space office which fostered collaboration amongst a multitude of smaller ‘incubator’ companies which shared a common space while still preserving their independent objectives. In order to attract and retain clients, the space had to be inviting and required maximizing natural light while showcasing the view of the city.

RESULTS

Trivaris now has an open space with a uniquely creative industrial feel. Co-locating businesses in open office/labs and introducing informal common spaces has fostered collaboration. The space has received considerable attention with the heightened business profile of Trivaris and it’s innovative approach to business rearing.

The space’s intriguing architectural elements were adapted and incorporated into the design thereby preserving aspects of its original character while simultaneously reducing labour, waste and cost.

Key Advantages of the Design

• Creative design contributes to attraction and retention of staff/businesses.
• Carpet tiles strategically designed to incorporate exact tile size thereby reducing labour, waste and cost.
• Co-locating businesses in open office/labs and introducing informal common spaces creates collaboration while still supporting their independent objectives.

Key Design Features

• Bulkheads strategically oriented and angled to hide unsightly fan-coil units.
• Custom designed “slinky” power poles created from typical construction materials reached 16ft.high ceilings and cost 50% less than a typical solution.
• Senior executive office belonging to music enthusiastshowcases functioning guitar, strategically mounted on notes to the song “I Love Rock N’ Roll”.

Sustainable Design Features

• Energy efficient high bay lights, dedicated zoning, and staggered office placement allow for daylight harvesting and energy savings
• Use of existing architectural elements including concrete floors, steel beams, exposed brick walls and open ceilings reduce carbon footprint
• All materials selected were specified ‘in the spirit of LEED’