Penguin Random House
Penguin Random House retained Govan Brown in 2014 to build a large space in downtown Toronto that would act as a consolidating space for multiple offices that had leases expiring the following year. The newly acquired space amounted to 52,000 square feet spread across 3 floors, two of which are connected by a new internal staircase. Millwork was a large component for the office; in fact, the modern space is decorated by a complex millwork piece that runs vertically from the 12th floor to the 14th floor (there is no 13th floor) and laterally through the 14th-floor space to the lobby. The project’s ambitious features don’t end with the elaborate cosmetic work, as the Penguin Random House office is outfitted with practical areas and support systems. To support the vast employee base, a full data centre was installed. The system is supported by pump systems and glycol loops for temperature control. Another special area was the new digital sound recording studio. Entirely cladded in acoustic panels, from the doors, walls to the ceiling, the studio is available to employees that need to record any number of media projects. Other features include open workstations, closed work stations, conference and meeting rooms, and dining areas. The project was completed on an accelerated schedule as the lease for one of Penguin Random House’s former locations expired on May 31st, 2015. Had the project been delayed, our team had planned for alternate staging arrangements, but thanks to diligent foresight and completing the project on schedule, the swing space was not necessary.
®Photography Steve Tsai
Client
Penguin Random House
Address
320 Front Street West
Location
Toronto, ON
SF
52,000sf
Architect
Figure3 Architects
Contract Type
CM
