Unveil the journey of revitalizing the atrium at Milverton Drive through Bartlett & Associates’ sustainable design choices, which enhance functionality and aesthetics while promoting wellness and creating multi-functional spaces for tenants and visitors alike.
Interior design studio Bartlett & Associates (B|A) transformed the four-storey atrium of Milverton Drive’s commercial towers in Mississauga into a striking, multi-functional environment. Commissioned by Crown Realty, B|A revitalized the 20-year-old building’s shared lobby by incorporating hospitality principles, adaptive reuse, and sustainable design to create a welcoming, wellness-focused space for corporate tenants and visitors. This redesign not only reinvigorates the building’s identity but also aims to ensure the long-term viability of this legacy real estate asset.
Recognizing the strategic value of an inviting entrance lobby, B|A implemented a design strategy that minimized cost and disruption while maximizing impact. “We envisioned a transformation that amplified the entire multi-level space, leveraging its height to craft something truly unique,” says Inger Bartlett, studio founder and interior designer. “Streamlining the visual clutter was essential to creating a pleasant, functional atmosphere.” This thoughtful design exemplifies how workplace environments can attract tenants and boost leasing opportunities.
To modernize the atrium, the design team removed outdated cherry wood panelling and brightened the space with a fresh coat of white paint. The original custom wall lights were retained, highlighting their design while eliminating the need for costly replacements. The retro white, peach, and black marble flooring was preserved, its geometry guiding the placement of furniture for individuals, small groups, and larger gatherings. The staircase, repainted in rich black, punctuates the airy space with bold contrast.
Furniture selections, including high-back lounge chairs, café tables, and crescent-shaped bleachers, define distinct zones for various activities. This approach creates “neighbourhoods” within the lobby, humanizing the corporate building and transforming it into a destination that attracts and retains the workforce. “Design shapes behaviour,” Bartlett explains. “We created spaces that foster connection and ensure everyone feels welcome, whether they’re seeking solitude, collaboration, or casual socialization.”
Wellness was central to the redesign. B|A incorporated biophilic elements to promote mental health, upholstering furniture in green tones and revitalizing semi-circular gardens with new plantings. Sculptural kiln-dried trees replaced artificial ones, enhancing sunlight flow, while two large moss walls on the mezzanine level deepen the connection to nature. Bartlett emphasizes, “Incorporating natural elements brings a sense of calm to otherwise stressful environments.”
Sustainability and adaptability were key drivers of the design. Rather than removing all materials, B|A opted to add layers, preserving existing elements wherever possible. This strategy reduced waste and avoided disruption to the building’s daily operations. Suspended from the atrium’s 50-foot-high ceiling, lightweight spun-aluminium thread spheres add artistic flair. Their varying sizes and arrangements create dynamic visual interest from all perspectives, while their compatibility with the existing roof and sprinkler system avoided costly structural reinforcements.
The elevator bay, previously clad in mismatched materials and outdated lighting, was another focal point. B|A introduced sleek steel cladding and integrated LED strips, achieving a cohesive, modern aesthetic. Bartlett notes, “This approach serves as a blueprint for future updates across the building, offering cohesion with minimal disruption.”
The Milverton Drive lobby redesign sets a benchmark for balancing aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability in contemporary design. The project underscores the value of repurposing existing materials, integrating natural elements, and applying hospitality principles to create cohesive, multi-functional spaces. It enhances tenant experience, supports economic recovery, and positions the building as a model for creative strategies in legacy real estate revitalization. By delivering lasting value for Crown Realty and its tenants, B|A’s design fosters a renewed sense of place and purpose.
Project: 100 Milverton Drive
Location: Mississauga, ON, Canada
Project Size: 13,300 sqft
Design Studio: Bartlett & Associates (B|A)
Photo Credit: Tom Arban
Website: bartlettdesign.com
