Badger's new space marks a confident return to office life
Badger Infrastructure Solutions is the industry leader in non-destructive hydro-excavation, delivering innovative technology and serving a diverse customer base. As the company prepared to implement a return-to-office policy, they envisioned a space that felt exciting, invigorating, and aligned with how their team collaborates day to day.
Holland was brought on to bring that vision to life through a workplace that prioritizes collaboration, connection, and comfort. The design abandoned traditional corner office layouts in favour of open, light-filled spaces accessible to all employees. It paired humble materials with warmth and a sense of fun, resulting in an environment that feels both grounded and energizing.
Emily Lang
Jessica Ormita
Project Start Date: July 2024
Project Completion Date: March 2025
Square Footage: + / - 13,000 sq ft
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The Challenge
Maximizing desk count: Balancing a high number of desks and offices while still incorporating spacious collaborative zones and staff amenities.
Boardroom privacy: Badger regularly hosts large board meetings and needed a space that could accommodate a full group while maintaining strong acoustic and visual privacy.
Operations: This project wasn’t just about the physical space. It also needed to support a shift in how teams work together, with the design helping build trust and ease the transition back to in-person collaboration.
Budget: Working within a fixed budget while still delivering on performance, quality, and design intent.
The Solution
To find the right balance between workstations, offices, and shared amenities, the team went through multiple iterations of the floor plan. Each version refined how the space could best support both density and collaboration, without sacrificing comfort or flow.
To meet the boardroom’s acoustic and privacy requirements, ceiling baffles were integrated to enhance sound performance while aligning visually with flooring transitions. This solution added rhythm and cohesion without distracting from the calm, focused atmosphere of the space.
To manage costs without compromising quality, existing demountables were reused and the kitchen was kept in its original location. These decisions freed up resources for areas that had the greatest impact on employee experience.
Close partnership with CBRE and Soundtex throughout the process allowed the team to identify and resolve potential issues early. That alignment helped streamline decisions, reduce rework, and keep the project moving forward.
The Human-Centred Lens
Employee comfort and well-being were central to the design. With all new furnishings included in the scope, ergonomics guided every selection. Seating throughout the office, including task chairs, boardroom seating, kitchen stools, and lounge pieces, was chosen for performance and long-term support.
The two collaborative zones and the staff café were designed with a hospitality mindset. Thoughtfully selected furniture, rugs, and textiles come together to create a warm, inviting environment that encourages casual interaction and connection.
Collab Zone two, provides employees with access to expansive views and abundant natural light. It offers a shared space to connect, recharge, or enjoy a quiet moment during the day.
Biophilic design is woven throughout the office. Three custom hanging planter boxes welcome staff and guests at the entry. Built-in planters at the staff café banquette and freestanding greenery across the workspace reinforce a connection to nature and create a calming, comfortable atmosphere.
Key Features
Custom banquette in reception
A standout feature that introduces Badger Teal, the company’s signature colour, in a playful and welcoming way. The curved shape, teal millwork reveals, and rounded closet door pulls add character without overwhelming the space. Neutral finishes around it help keep the overall palette balanced and grounded.
Reception island
Forgoing a traditional reception desk, the island serves as a touchdown point for visitors and anchors the collaborative space off the entry. It includes a coffee maker and beverage fridge. The deep green tile is paired with a custom grout in Badger Teal, and a striking lighting fixture above completes the look.
Boardroom
The boardroom is designed for presence and performance. It supports large group meetings while maintaining a quiet, composed atmosphere. Integrated ceiling baffles add texture and rhythm overhead, while subtle transitions in materials help the space feel grounded and refined.
Staff kitchen and cafe
The existing galley kitchen was kept in place to help manage costs, then expanded into a larger café space where staff can gather, eat, and connect. Seating was thoughtfully selected to support a variety of body types, abilities, and preferences, making the space feel comfortable and inclusive.
Results
Project Credits
Engineers: Electrical: SMP Engineering – Steve Beals, Mechanical: Smith + Andersen – Ryan Smith
Contractors: Soundtex Interiors Ltd., Kevin Goudie
Furniture: COI, Jocelyn McCarthy
Landlord: Hines, Andrew Stevens
Project Lead: Lindsey Kot
