The headquarters for this confidential financial client, located along the waterfront in Connecticut, is designed to evoke a refined lakefront retreat. It feels like a hotel on the water that one looks forward to returning to each day; a place where employees can do their best work in a setting that is both comfortable and inspiring. It is an office where, rather than gathering around a traditional boardroom table, employees can gather on sofas and floor cushions, warmed by a beautiful fireplace and refreshed by cool breezes that drift off the water through open sliding glass doors. The atmosphere is that of a modern home, visually stunning with luxurious features yet simple and grounded. It is a workplace designed to be lived in as much as worked in, inviting employees to experience and enjoy every space.
TMA's overarching design direction was guided by the experience of working here. The result is a space that is warm, comfortable, and welcoming. It is rich but unassuming, impressive but not flashy. The extensive use of wood and other natural materials creates a balanced, serene environment that is both inspiring and aspirational.
The design centers around the four elements: water, sky, earth, and fire. With water on all sides, the design is centered on framing the views. The views are not limited to the surrounding waterfront, but extend upward to embrace the sky. TMA installed skylights throughout the space to allow daylight to stream in and converted windows to sliding glass doors, creating uninterrupted access to exterior terraces. The connection to nature is completed by integrating plants and trees, alongside rocks and stone found on the local shore throughout the space. A large waterfall, gently cascading over river rocks, forms the focal point of the dining room. Fireplaces throughout the workplace complete the connection to the natural elements.
Project highlights include a full cooking kitchen, café, coffee and barista bar, meditation room, wellness rooms, skylit dining areas, library, webinar broadcast rooms, furnished terraces, private clubhouse, and wine cave dining room.
