Manulife Head Office Exterior Renovations: A Seamless Fusion of Nature and Workplace Wellness

Reimagining the Corporate Landscape

Located in Waterloo, Canada, the Manulife Head Office has undergone a transformative exterior renovation led by Martin Simmons Sweers Architects, redefining the boundaries between built environment and natural setting. Completed in 2022, this 2,105 m² project was driven by the client’s ambition to create a more fulfilling, wellness-oriented work experience by engaging deeply with the site's existing natural features.

A New Typology: The “Open-Air Office”

At the heart of the renovation is the vision for an "open-air office"—a vibrant outdoor environment that expands the conventional office to include flexible, shaded work and social spaces. The redesign enables employees to step outside the building and seamlessly transition into an outdoor landscape that supports both productivity and leisure.

The space offers various nodes for gathering, social interaction, and quiet reflection, framed by a rich tapestry of native vegetation. Outdoor pods, walkways, and terraces are all designed to foster collaboration, wellness, and a stronger connection to nature.

Integrating Nature Through Design

Drawing inspiration from the surrounding tree canopy and Forwell Creek trail system, the design introduces a meandering raised wood walkway that weaves through the landscape. This path connects three distinct gathering pods, offering users an immersive experience in nature, complete with dynamic perspectives from various elevations.

The terrace, directly linked to the indoor cafeteria, serves as a generous outdoor dining area and casual workspace. This integration of indoor-outdoor spaces encourages spontaneous engagement and makes nature an integral part of daily office life.

Accessible, Inclusive, and Responsive

The design prioritizes barrier-free accessibility, incorporating gentle slopes to eliminate the need for intermediate landings. This approach informed the geometric precision of the walkway and pod arrangement, ensuring inclusivity without compromising elegance or function.

The wooden walkway, crafted from sustainably sourced Ipe decking, provides a warm and tactile underfoot experience. Curved slat wood screens offer privacy and shaded resting points, making the space feel both open and intimate.

Crafting with Wood and Steel

The structural system features a robust combination of galvanized steel and wood. The primary support comes from steel framing, while the wood defines the sensory and visual language of the project. Walkways span a consistent 2-meter width and extend across a total of 260 m², curving with radii between 8.1 and 15.6 meters.

Each gathering pod—ranging from 75 m² to 123 m²—is a sculptural form, supported by curved steel plate webs and bent flanges, reflecting both technical precision and organic flow. Adjacent to these is a 260 m² stone terrace, offering a striking material contrast and a spacious place for outdoor dining and events.

Harmonizing Landscape and Architecture

The renovation was a collaborative effort, with The Planning Partnership designing the landscape and Moser Landscape Group executing it. Structural engineering was provided by MTE, and Marant Construction served as general contractor. The result is a model for sustainable workplace design, integrating architecture, wellness, and ecology.

All Photographs are works of Riley Snelling