LCH Developments introduces a new co-working space and community hub, Merge Spaces. Located in the Scarborough community of Cliffside Village, just outside of Toronto, Canada, it is the first center of its kind in the close-knit and evolving neighborhood on Kingston Road. “People from all walks of life live here, and we knew that it was going to be the next big growth area,” said Michal Wywrot, co-founder and president of LCH Developments.
Wywrot explained that his team became an ideal test group, utilizing the space as needed rather than endure long daily commutes. Their own work styles shaped the vision of how all different types of workers would interact in Merge Spaces. “We are actually occupants, we have about 10 staff members that work here now. It gave us a kickstart, and we began to think about the culture and community that we wanted to create.”
LCH Developments tapped RAW Design to envision an interior that offered a variety of workspaces and amenities. The designers were first faced with the challenge of taking a single-story building and adding more vertical space. “The developers wanted two stories, and we realized we had to punch out the whole front façade to bring light to the second level. That’s where you see all of the expansive windows and the bright, natural connection to the road,” said Taylor Roth, an interior designer at RAW Design.
By prioritizing a balance between an open office and closed-off sections in the 11,500-square-foot space, users have even more flexibility. Roth also explained that the co-working experience exposes members and visitors to an inspiring energy that can often be lacking in the home setting. “There are groupings of offices that are tucked around each other, with an opportunity to gather in the center. So there is a seamless transition from a closed office into something that is more open.”
Common areas like the café allow for casual connections and conversations throughout the day, and the amphitheater-style Treehouse can hold up to 150 people for presentations, networking events, and quick informal meetings. While collaboration is one of the main reasons that employees cite for returning to the office, Roth said the need for quiet and privacy was still a key consideration. “Even though we love the idea of socializing in the office, there still needs to be some structure, with designated places for privacy. We added some phone booths to serve as areas of retreat or hideaway spaces.”
For Wywrot, the original artwork captures the vitality of the surrounding area, and sets Merge Spaces apart from other working centers. “We have the Herman Miller chairs and the sit-stand desks. But we really wanted to be operating on a completely new level, and that could only be achieved with art.
Twelve creations by Toronto muralists Mel Coleman and Colombian-born Cesar Rodriguez adorn the walls, showcasing urban scrawl style. Each piece explores different themes specific to the region, including nods to two of Scarborough’s famous sons, Drake and the Weeknd. Select pockets of photoluminescence glow in the dark or under black lighting, adding another layer of vitality for events held in the evening.
The vibrant color palette, which complements all of the art, is also its own unique component, with a signature magenta that sparks the imagination. Roth noted that the upbeat hue— Benjamin Moore’s Royal Flush—was used to transform ductwork from a detraction into ceiling-as-sculpture. “The ducts are everywhere, there’s no way to avoid them, so we decided to paint them this magenta.”
The shade is surprisingly versatile, not just a color of the moment touted by a select group of influencers. “It is a timeless, cross-generational pink that appeals to generations across the board, whether you’re a young person entering the workforce or someone that’s more mature,” Roth added.
The industrial fixtures are paired with wood, terrazzo, and even a wall of moss. Everything within the interior was chosen for performance, essential where noise mitigation is a factor. “When we were selecting the materials, we were thinking in creative ways because of the concrete, glass, and hard surfaces. We brought in acoustic lighting elements and carpet with underlay to dampen the sound. The finishes serve multiple purposes, yet they don’t look institutional. They bring warmth to the environment,” Roth said.
With a colorful, inviting atmosphere, Wywrot explained that Merge Spaces is set to transform Scarborough, just as it has already enriched the work life of his staff. “We have a really cool vibe here, everyone loves it. We are excited to come to the office, which is very different from what the norm is right now.”