Evolved by Nature (EbN) is a Biotechnology company creating a proprietary library of Activated Silk™ molecules from natural silk protein that serve as renewably sourced sustainable chemicals, bioactive ingredients and novel therapeutics for use in markets including apparel, personal care and medicine. “We believe the next generation of products should advance the health of people and the planet…” states EbN mission statement. EbN’s mission statement heavily influenced the look and feel of the suite as well as the selection of sustainable building materials.  We translated the straightforwardness of their cultural branding to create a space that promotes mental and physical well-being and that feels welcoming and accessible for all employees and guests.

After outgrowing their previous facility in Medford MA, EbN selected a 45,000 RSF suite at 117 Kendrick Street in Needham, a building repositioned to support Life Sciences by Bullfinch Properties in March 2023. Vivo Architecture along with Construction Manager Richmond Construction Company oversaw leading  the design and construction efforts.

The overall concept consisted of three key questions, why, what and how.  The “why” was to create an environment that attracted and welcomed the employees back to the office.  The “what” was to unite the essences of nature, science and home to cultivate a simplistic, harmonious and balanced design.  The “how” was to bring the company branding and mission to life as the user journeys through the suite.

The program consisted of three distinct areas: R&D work, focused office work, and amenity/collaboration zone. The focused work zone includes 96 workstations with a variety of meeting room options for single users and small groups. This zone also includes its own entrance separate from visitors and guests. The R& D space provides both traditional wet labs and BSL2 lab for formulations and analytics as well as a pilot plant manufacturing spaces and clean room functions. The amenity zone is where visitors are welcomed and includes presentation areas with views of the lab processes and pilot plant. This area also includes a board room and larger meeting rooms, open collaboration areas, training room, wellness/fitness center, photography studio, and a “Town Hall” style break room.

Directly inspired by the company name “Evolved by Nature,” the user transitions from season to season as they organically progress through the office suite / lab.  The reception is reflective of “stepping into nature.” The user / visitor is embraced by a protective trellis symbolic of a blooming spring tree canopy, with lighting radiating through, and a palate of wood accents, greenery and simple lines and features.

Continuing down the informative product display-lined corridor to the Welcome Area Viewing, one is greeted by organic, curvilinear forms and the layering of acoustic panels and materials, inspired by the silkworm cocoons which EbN harvests silk from in the summer.  The warm, homey-feel of the cocoon yields a sense of warmth and belonging.

The Interview / Presentation Room and War / Board Room create a calming sense using blues and natural tones.  Wood-look luxury vinyl tile flooring was used throughout the space and is layered with complimentary colors and organic textures.

The Kitchen / Breakroom’s custom circular island was inspired by the idea of falling leaves in autumn and serves as the focal point of this magnificent space that can be used for meals, gatherings, events, collaboration, etc.  Housing a variety of dining tables and soft seating; as well as the ability to open to the adjacent Library / Lounge/Training allows for ultimate flexibility.  There are two neighborhoods in the suite, each containing a balance of open and closed spaces to accommodate private, independent work and communicative, collaborative processes.  Changing flooring materials to create a natural pathway for navigation and the use of both natural and artificial light as well as acoustical elements to mitigate sound, play an important role in the success of the work environment to create controlled stimulation.  Contrasting to the vibrancy of the seasons and found down a corridor displaying the innovative research that happens there, the labs are a clean, bright white, mimicking new-fallen snow in wintertime.