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April 15, 2019

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W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 35 A P R I L 1 5 , 2 0 1 9 F O C U S R E A L E S TAT E / C O N S T R U C T I O N / D E S I G N consistent, panoramic views at any time of day, in any season, without the need for internal or external shading IDEXX has also invested in two massive light wells in the expansion building to provide light to people even far away from exterior windows. Twigge says the new building will also include lots of places for people to con- nect with each other, further contributing to IDEXX's culture of innovation. "We want to create something where people can feel the friendli- ness, the calm, the energy that speaks to people's well-being," he says. As with the original Synergy project, IDEXX tapped Lavallee Brensinger Architects, whose sustainability leader Doug Shilo finds it rewarding to work with a client that prioritizes wellness, sustainability and innovation. "ey're not only not afraid to inno- vate. ey require it," he says, underscor- ing that his team doesn't come to a client with its own agenda. "Our philosophy is to let the client's mission inspire our work. IDEXX's priorities happen to translate into really good architecture." Other projects Among other employers investing in healthy workspaces, Covetrus (formerly Vets First Choice) is working with Boston-based TRIA on a Portland head- quarters it plans to move into in 2020. And Unum teamed up with Gensler, a global architecture firm based in San Francisco, on its multi- phase Portland campus expansion that has added ground-floor fitness facilities (which used to be in the base- ment), indoor foosball and an employee cafeteria where healthy dishes are also designed to be the most affordable. "e whole modernization of this workspace, including the cafeteria, has been a health-forward, health-by-design approach, using principles of both choice and behavioral economics," says Laurie Mitchell, Unum's assistant vice president of global health and well-being. Richard Meadows, Chattanooga, Tenn.-based assistant vice president for corporate real estate, says that the Portland campus revamp is getting positive feedback, including from job candidates coming in for interviews. "As a project team it's been great to know that we're contributing to the suc- cess of the business by helping attract and retain key employees," he says. R e n e e C o r d e s , M a i n e b i z s e n i o r w r i t e r, c a n b e r e a c h e d a t r c o r d e s @ m a i n e b i z . b i z a n d @ r s c o r d e s How many boiler repair calls did you make this winter? An efficient heating system can reduce energy costs as well as save you downtime, headaches and repair calls. Ask your contractor about instant discounts on efficient systems. efficiencymaine.com 866-376-2463 UNUM's Portland offices include standing desks ... And walking treadmill workstations. P H O T O S / T I M G R E E N WAY

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