Tom Arban Good Energy Dec 16, 2011
With smart material manipulation, Johnson Chou transforms an otherwise mundane space into the understated-yet-lively Toronto offices for Red Bull Canada.
A sleek, casual bar area—just steps from employee workstations—is set apart with a wooden floor, ceiling, and wall. It includes a series of wall-mounted, glass-fronted mini refrigerators for cans of Red Bull.
Multiple layers of juxtaposed forms and materials include the curved felt wall, metal mesh enclosure, wood floor, glass wall, and the maple-strip board room structure.
The dynamic board room enclosure with rib-like maple strips is evocative of a sauna and the Canadian landscape. The conference table was custom made for the room by Treehouse Furniture Company. A felt wall adds an unusual texture and aids in softening acoustics.