Superior Interiors

Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Facility

Recommended best practices and safe daily habits to reduce your risk of exposure to COVID-19

Reopening Bermuda requires all of us to move forward together by practicing social distancing and other daily habits including cleaning and disinfecting workplaces.

Here’s a framework to follow for cleaning and disinfecting your facility.

1Normal routine cleaning with soap and water will decrease how much of the virus is on surfaces and objects, which reduces the risk of exposure.

2Disinfection using EPA-approved disinfectants against COVID-19 can also help reduce the risk. Frequent disinfection of surfaces and objects touched by multiple people is important.

3When EPA-approved disinfectants are not available, alternative disinfectants can be used (for example, 1/3 cup of bleach added to 1 gallon of water, or 70% alcohol solutions). Do not mix bleach or other cleaning and disinfection products together — this can cause fumes that may be very dangerous to breathe in. Keep all disinfectants out of the reach of children.

Coronaviruses on surfaces and objects naturally die within hours to days. Warmer temperatures and exposure to sunlight will reduce the time the virus survives on surfaces and objects.

DEVELOP YOUR PLAN

Evaluate your workplace to determine what kinds of surfaces and materials make up that area. Most surfaces and objects will just need normal routine cleaning. Frequently touched surfaces and objects like door handles will need to be cleaned and then disinfected to further reduce the risk of germs on surfaces and objects. Examples of frequently touched surfaces and objects are: tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets and sinks, touch screens, ATM machines.

You should also consider what items can be moved or removed completely to reduce frequent handling or contact from multiple people. Soft and porous materials, such as area rugs and seating, may be removed or stored to reduce the challenges with cleaning and disinfecting them.

It is critical that your plan includes how to maintain a cleaning and disinfecting strategy, keeping it flexible with your staff, and adjusting as guidance is updated and if your specific circumstances change.

Some surfaces only need to be cleaned with soap and water. For example, surfaces and objects that are not frequently touched should be cleaned and do not require additional disinfection.

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Lofty ideal

Argus creates a striking new space for collaboration and creativity

The Argus Hub at 12 Wesley Street, owned by Argus Insurance Company Limited which is a part of the Argus Group, is being used to provide office space to several philanthropic organisations. Now the second floor has been stunningly renovated into a contemporary, collaborative space called The Loft, by Commercial Interiors Group.

Argus started the project in 2018, when it recognised that a shift away from traditional working practices was under way. Peter Dunkerley, Argus Group Holdings Limited’s Chief Financial Officer, says the pandemic – and the move to remote working – has only reinforced the need for change.

“The way our team operates and interacts has been changing for several years now – even before Covid-19,” Dunkerley says. “We recognised that we needed a physical space that encouraged these contemporary ways of working.”

Dunkerley expects traditional, officebased activities will increasingly take place at home or on the move, as the

office evolves into a space used more for collaboration and creativity.

“We’re a progressive employer who believes a stimulating environment can help our team be the best they can be,” Dunkerley adds. “A static desk or office is no longer enough, as individual roles are becoming more diverse. We needed to create more options so each team member could fit their work environment to the task at hand.”

The Loft provides a stimulating environment for team meetings. Argus can also use the space for functions, such as wellness seminars, conferences for their clients, or to rent out for suitable events.

Darcy Robertson, Design Director at Commercial Interiors Group, says the Argus team’s modern way of working together drove design considerations. “We looked at what was working in the building, and what wasn’t working,” Robertson says. “Technology and business practices have changed since the space was designed many years ago.

“Although many staff work from home, they still need a suitable space to come back together every now and then. Or if a staff member doesn’t require a full-time office space, this can provide a comfortable area where they can come and work, and have meetings with colleagues.”

Robertson was assisted on the project by Commercial Interior Group’s Melinda DeCosta, who worked on a day-today basis with Keicia Place, Property Manager for Argus, who was aided by Sharon Ball, Argus Property Coordinator. Place says: “By re-engineering this space Argus has created a highly networked, shared, multi-purpose space that redefines boundaries and improves collaboration between teams”.

Open plan doesn’t mean privacy has been lost at The Loft. The ‘Hushmeet’ booth is totally soundproof, and perfect

for phone calls, Zoom conferences and other online meetings. The spacing capacity allows for two people in the booth. However, under the current Covid-19 restrictions, only single use is allowed. The booths also have fully automatic ventilation and LED lighting, plus they are movable, ensuring flexibility for use of the space.

Several conversation areas have been created, also with privacy in mind. Robertson explains: “We have high back sofas, so if someone is seated in there, it’s very private. There are also single seating areas, where people can work on their laptop or tablet, or take a quick break, grab a coffee, sit and enjoy the views of City Hall.”

There are three meeting rooms — one can accommodate eight people, the other two six people. Plus, a coffee bar with a high table and chairs stimulates casual conversation or can be used for work.

The ceiling was opened up to expose the metal decking and beams, and some of the beams have been highlighted with darker paint. It provides added ceiling height and also accentuates the loft look, enhanced by the addition of an exposed brick wall. There is sound masking throughout the space, so despite the hard surfaces, the acoustics are still very good.

LED lighting is used throughout, with the addition of specialty lighting such as over the conversation areas and the coffee bar.

Phase two of this project was to demolish a 6ft high block wall on the west side of the building that has brought more light into the space. An outdoor covered pergola meeting space is also being created, with tables and lounge chairs, which will be a free-flowing extension of the indoor space.

“In the future we plan to be able to offer our people many more collaborative spaces — open, brighter areas, reflecting the Argus philosophy of wellness at work,” Place says. “The Loft is just a taste of what is to come.”

Key contractors

• Commercial Interiors Group • Ell-Rod Holdings Inc • Greymane Builders’ Supply • Innovative Office Interiors • Windward Supplies Ltd.

State-of-theart spacious

Athene introduces major well-being enhancements to its

Returning to the office in the post-lockdown era is not easy for any business, but with its new facilities, Athene Life Re is meeting the challenge head on.

Plans to create a modern and more spacious office for the expanding firm on the second floor of Washington Mall were well underway before the COVID-19 pandemic struck early last year.

But while 2020 inevitably presented extra hurdles for the team behind the construction project, it also helped them focus on exactly what is needed for office life in the “new normal”.

Extra cleanliness and space for physical distancing were built into the development, to complement state-ofthe-art new amenities such as adjustable desks, Hush telephone booths and meeting rooms with Microsoft Teams connectivity.

It means staff accustomed to home comforts during months of remote working can return to the natural camaraderie of office life knowing the space was designed with their health and safety in mind.

“Athene believes in the power of collaboration,” says Natasha Scotland Courcy, Co-chief Operating Officer, Chief Compliance Officer and Secretary at Athene. “When developing the new office space, it was important that our employees have more spaces to meet and work in partnership. We are excited about the new space, its added amenities and the opportunities to continue growing our team and business.”

Previously operating in 11,000 square feet of space in Chesney House on Pitts Bay Road, Pembroke, Athene’s workers were sometimes sharing offices, while meeting rooms had to be sacrificed to make way for desks.

“They had run out of space,” says Darcy Robertson, Design Director of Commercial Interiors Group (CIG), who worked on the project.

Athene, which employed 60 people before it started to expand, will be able to increase its capacity to more than 125 after the upgrade to 18,000 square feet in Washington Mall.

Brightly coloured walls and modern lighting are key characteristics of the open plan set-up.

Robertson says, “As we got into the design, COVID was starting to raise its head, so that came into our thinking. We all know about social distancing at the workplace, but we didn’t want to put everyone into a Dilbert office. People can stay six feet apart from their colleagues at their desks, and there is more space in the aisles.”

“Our new space offers some major well-being enhancements like standing desks, a fitness room, a modernised cafeteria and even a pool table for

employees to take a muchdeserved break,” says Scotland Courcy. “As a company, we are committed to our employees’ overall well-being.”

A large café in the centre of the office acts as a collaboration area. It contains a kitchen with two fridges and an island and boasts a pool table that doubles as a ping pong table. There is also a fitness room, showers, meditation and medical room and private lactation room.

Robertson says, “A break for ten minutes can go a long way in relieving some stress.”

Cubicles are larger than at the previous location, with increased storage space. Desks have adjustable heights so that workers can avoid straining their backs by sitting at their computers for hours on end, while new IT equipment has been installed across the facility.

Comfortably ventilated Hush phone booths are designed for private calls. Groups of four colleagues can choose from eight spacious meeting rooms.

Three meeting rooms are connected by sliding doors, which can be opened to create one vast room for up to 50 people.

The board room has its own kitchen area hidden behind a dividing wall so that meetings can take place in a professional area before refreshments can be conveniently served.

Months spent working remotely have helped reinforce the importance of collaboration between workers. Staff, who are phasing back to the office, have welcomed their new surroundings in Washington Mall. Athene has gone the extra yard to make its staff feel at home in their new environment.

Key contractors

• AIRCARE • Commercial Interiors Group • Ell-Rod Holdings Inc • Furniture Flair • Greymane Builders’ Supply • Innovative Officer Interiors • P&M Electrical • Precise Systems Integration Ltd (PSI) • Signworx • Washington Properties • Windward Supplies Ltd

Technologically advanced

Hamilton Medical Center has the most up-to-date medical technology on the island in a spa-like setting

Stepping into the new Hamilton Medical Center feels more like visiting a spa than a trip to the doctor’s office.

Because while the HMC-Burnaby Urgent Care and Medical Imaging clinic boasts some of the most brilliant technology in the world, owner, Dr. J.J.Soares insists it was just as important to create a relaxing environment for his patients.

People can now avoid waiting lists of up to six weeks and walk into the Burnaby Street clinic for state-of-the-art MRI and CAT scans and ultrasounds, as well as regular GP services, urgent care and blood testing.

Dr. Soares says it was vital to create the right vibe.

“I had in my mind it would feel like a spa experience,” he says, “and Shelley Ray, Senior Interior Designer at L & S Design Ltd., helped us deliver on that.”

“We agonised over the details. Buff colours, open space, minimalist textures. I wanted it to be relaxing, but I didn’t what it to lose its medical or clinical credibility.

“I think we achieved that. Several staff now have Zen music playing at their stations, which never happened before. That just shows you how your surroundings can make you feel differently.”

The finishing touch to the calming veneer was provided when Dr. Soares stumbled across artwork on Instagram from Saltus Grammar School student Alex Pilgrim, who had captured idyllic scenes from around the island.

Dr. J.J. Soares

“We were looking and looking for watery, calming imagery and then we found these beautiful photographs from Alex,” he says.

Three of Alex’s images are displayed on giant panels around the building, including one in the lobby.

The relocation to the four-floor 15,000 square feet building has been a five-year journey for Dr. Soares, whose operation was previously squeezed into 2,000 square feet on Victoria Street.

“We outgrew the old facility,” Dr. Soares says. “If you ask my wife, I always like a project — and this was a big one.

“I thought Bermuda really needed a modern, sophisticated medical center where one could get everything they need medically under one roof.

“One thing Bermuda is missing is convenience and choice. We provide that.”

Equipment includes the Hitachi Oasis, which provides the most powerful MRI scan in the world, a GE HD750 CT Scanner which gives “amazing imagery” and a GE CT Senographe Pristina Mammography System.

Dr. Soares says, “There is a long waiting list for CAT scans and MRIs. It’s our plan to offer them on a same-day or nextday basis.

“Patients want to know what’s wrong with them. Some of them go out of their minds waiting weeks and weeks just to get an exam.

“When we delay diagnosis, we delay treatment. We are not doing as well as we should be for the patient.”

The MRI scan is open, which removes any feeling of claustrophobia. It can also accommodate larger patients.

Dr. Soares says, “What’s really incredible about it is that the parents of a small child can be right there by their child, holding them still while they are having the exam. Nervous, confused or elderly patients can have a loved one by their side.”

The mammography machine gives patients control of the pressure applied to their breasts, while they listen to relaxing music and watch calming images on large TV screens.

“To give a patient that degree of control is reassuring and calming, especially if they are anxious about their mammography,” Soares says.

While the facility is spacious, the medical equipment is vast in size and every inch of the lower three floors is put to use. The top floor will be rented out to other doctors.

Tiled floors and white walls with taupe undertones help create a clean look, while physical distancing and sanitising methods are in place as Covid-19 requirements.

Opening hours are from 8am to 7pm on weekdays and 9am to 5pm on Saturday, to give as many people as possible the chance to make use of the facility. Staff are English and Portuguese speaking.

BCM McAlpine and DeSilva’s Construction were the main contractors on the project. Excavation took several months longer than expected and further delays inevitably came as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The hardest setback came through the sudden death last year of architect Simon Hodgson, an old Saltus friend of Dr. Soares.

The MRI and CT Suite has been named after Hodgson.

“Simon was a long-time friend,” Dr. Soares says. “He was in my year at Saltus. He was my right-hand man for all architectural projects, particularly this one.

“A year ago, he had a terrible accident at someone’s house. We really lost out. Bermuda lost out.”

Dr. Soares has also named the building after his late father, John A Soares, and the mammography suite after his mother, Alberta May Soares.

“My dad has passed away now but he would be looking down and remembering it was always a big thing to own a building in Hamilton,” he reflects.

“Dad was a humble taxi driver. My parents didn’t have a lot of money but they made sure that they at least paid for me to get a good education at Saltus.

“They instilled a good work ethic. It paid off, I guess.”

The clinic has 14 staff, including Dr. Soares and fellow doctor, Iniekem Ufford.

Dr. Soares says, “I’m proud of the fact we have long-term staff who are very professional, friendly and courteous.”

Key contractors

• Abbott Decorating

Contractors • Aptech Granite & Marble Ltd • BCM McAlpine • 8+ Inc • Commercial Office

Environments • DeSilva’s Construction &

Landscaping Ltd • Ell-Rod Holdings Inc • Joshua Bate Trading

Bermuda Ltd • L&S Design Ltd • Otis Elevator • Pembroke Tile & Stone • Sound Decision Ltd • Stafford Flooring • TreeCon Ltd • Windward Supplies Ltd

With ecommerce surging, Mailboxes expands

Mailboxes is banking on success in its new location – the

To those who remember going down the steps into the basement from where Mailboxes previously operated, the gleaming new workspace will seem like a world away rather than just a block.

The company moved from its address on Par-la-Ville Road near Front Street to the top of Bermudiana Road in July 2020.

Kenny Thomson, owner, says the change was a way to move the company into a new era. “The company has been growing for a long time and demand has been growing. It had probably outgrown the old space a while ago, but with COVID-19, there was a big spike in demand, which spurred us on. We really had to get out of the old location.”

The move started in January of 2020 with the signing of the lease, but COVID-19 caused a delay, as all construction was stopped in April when the island went into shelter-in-place.

“We were halfway done at that point,” Mr. Thomson says. “We had to finish it off in May and June. We moved in July, at time you still couldn’t go into stores, and we continued to use curbside pickup.”

He adds that the overall design concept was first and foremost to create an open plan space. “I don’t like retail stores where there is a big barrier or counter, and you speak to somebody through a little hole,” Mr. Thomson says. “I wanted a design similar to how modern retail looks overseas. Even something like modern office spaces, where the reception is not that distinguishable from where people are working. There may be subtle design elements separating the various areas, but the perception is it’s one big space.”

And that is evident right from the start. Customers are greeted with an automated 12-foot sliding glass door, which bathes the lobby in light. At 12 feet, it might be the largest sliding glass door in Bermuda. The front reception area is spacious and modern. The gleaming white customer service desk allows for several clients to be served at once.

The current location provides 33% more space than previously, from 2,517 square feet to 3,360 square feet.

This extra space was put to use by creating a staff kitchen and two offices, just off the customer reception area, with views of the floor space thanks to the open plan.

The new location has plenty of storage space to handle the increase in packages being shipped to Bermuda. The area also has custom-made red acoustic baffles hanging from the ceiling to dampen sound as well as adding an artistic touch.

The biggest challenge was moving the post office boxes, which included uninstalling the locks, taking off the labels, chopping the boxes out of the concrete walls, installing, labeling, and reinstalling the locks.

Another challenge was to level the floor. The landlords, Butterfield, hired Concrete Works to ensure Mailboxes was given a smooth surface on which to build out its floorplan.

Mr. Thomson adds that Bermuda Interiors was the project manager, and it was “right on the money” for completing this on budget.

The back of the house features vinyl tile from Furniture Flair, which was installed by Eminence. The front of the store uses a Nora rubber floor covering from Stafford Flooring. Mr. Thomson chose LED lighting strips to help brighten the customer service area. The workstations are all new, and they are sit-stands with balance boards, providing extra comfort for the staff.

Mr. Thomson says, “The team’s morale has increased quantifiably, as they are able to enjoy sunlight and their own kitchen – neither of which were available in the old premises.

“I’m very, very pleased,” he goes on. “It has improved the business 100%. This is a great company, but it wasn’t in the best location, and we couldn’t offer a great customer experience from that perspective. Coming here, it’s like a breath of fresh air.”

Key contractors

• AIRCARE • Bermuda Interiors Ltd • Furniture Flair • Greymane Builders’ Supply • OBM International • Signworx • Stafford Flooring • Xcaliber

Completing the merger

A restored space brings two telecommunications

Digicel acquired BTC in 2015 but only recently have the two companies been physically merged into the newly redesigned space on the corner of Cedar Ave and Victoria Street – the site of an old BTC telephone exchange.

L&S Design Ltd worked with Digicel to ensure the historical aspects of BTC were maintained while adding Bermuda flourishes to the international Digicel brand.

Don Foggo, head of marketing of the Digicel Group, says, “The vision was to maintain its history but also make it a place that people will want to come into work and feel comfortable coming to.” He states that, while there was a financial reason for the move, “It also represents the final merger of two companies.”

The BTC payment centre on the ground floor is designed for easy access and includes a wheelchair access ramp and automatic door. Foggo says, “People want to come in, pay their bill and leave. We didn’t want to make it difficult for our customers to pay. They can do it efficiently and quickly and go about their business.”

Just past the payment centre is the corporate reception and business solutions area, which has a formal meeting room and two breakout rooms, so clients don’t have to walk throughout the building to get their business completed. Foggo adds it has a “more polished look” than the retail payment centre to let people know this is for corporate clients, but at the same time it fits cohesively with it.

Behind the corporate reception area wall are salespeople, corporate care staff, and ICT engineers, wherein staff can quickly connect with clients who need attention. Gary Mitchell, head of facilities, says, “All the managers and the senior management leadership sit on the floor with the staff. So it’s a matter of just going over to their desk and not having to go knock on the door or make an appointment. It’s such a fast-paced environment. It’s just a matter of the sales guy leaning over to the head of business to say, for example, ‘I need approval on this,’ so the design speeds up the process.”

Dawn Dunstan, the interior designer, explains that there is a staff coffee bar on the ground floor for convenience, with the main staff kitchen on the second floor. The staff kitchen has a food prep area, microwaves, fridges and dining. The kitchen cabinets are framed with wood tones, and a teal tile backsplash adds a splash of color. Large concrete pendant lights hang over the center island.

The second-floor office space is entered through an intimate and casual lounge space that offers a breakout area for staff as well as guest seating. The lounge features a metal grill accent in the ceiling, pendant lighting, and comfortable sofas. It is surrounded by meeting and office space, all framed with glass walls and wood barn doors.

Dunstan says, “The office was designed with the required amenities such as kitchen, restrooms, copy areas and enclosed spaces in the central core of the building. While the open-plan workstations were purposely located around the perimeter of the space,

taking advantage of large windows and giving staff natural light. There is also an exterior atrium off of the kitchen that allows staff to sit outside and enjoy a bit of Bermuda sunshine while in the heart of the city.”

Wood vinyl tile laid in a herringbone pattern defines the traffic areas around the core of the building, while the open work areas have a vibrant grey and teal patterned carpet. Niche work areas were painted in pastel blue and pink, and bright upholstered pieces also add pops of color to the space. Dunstan says, “We wanted the office space to reflect the beautiful pastel Bermuda colors such as teals, pinks, and corals while also featuring the Digicel global brand.”

Another fascinating feature wall recognises the people working there with photographs of the staff. The Charlie Marshall Boardroom, still being completed, pays homage to BTC with a collection of old landline and cellular phones in display cases.

Foggo says, “The goal was restoration while also building a comfortable environment for our customers and staff alike, I think we were able to accomplish that.”

Key contractors

• AIRCARE • Greymane Builders’ Supply • Furniture Flair • L&S Design Ltd • Windward Supplies Ltd

Delicious Design

Revamped eatery gets a tempting new look

Returning to a former Washington Mall space he used to operate from, Antonello Fadda, veteran restauranteur and co-owner of Delicious Ltd., has channelled his love of minimalist Miami style by giving his expanded new deli and buffet a fresh, modern and industrial look.

With 14-foot-high open ceilings, 1,300 square feet of space and a simple but striking colour palette, there is a strong east coast city establishment vibe to Delicious.

“We opened up the ceiling to create space,” he explains. “If it’s low, it’s not good for food. This is a much better design. It shows the food better and gives you a dimension that makes it seem bigger than it is.”

Getting exactly the right size was important for Fadda, who was operating the 8,000 square foot food court prior to opening Delicious: “I didn’t want a big massive place. Here we’re doing good. We’re doing an average of 350 people a day for lunch. It doesn’t feel too crowded because they can queue outside.”

On the far side of Delicious is the Mall Studio and Fadda has taken over some of their space. He knocked through the wall to create a buffet area separate from the ‘made to order’ bar. Fadda plans to extend this further and will use the extra space for more vegan and vegetarian options, which are in high demand.

The renovation began in August 2020, took 3 months to complete and cost $230,000. They officially opened on 22nd November.

“We spent $30,000 on the ceiling alone,” he says. “There were old pipes, a lot of things hanging. We had to reroute all the old air-conditioning. Everything was rusty. We had to clean out everything; reposition the ACs; put in new lights; fireproof the ceiling.”

The ceiling itself and all the pipes and units are painted white to match the walls and have 10 dramatic, cylindrical, black and white lights hanging down, which Fadda found in London. They are three feet in diameter.

Black and white is a prominent theme throughout the interior and exterior of Delicious, however, in a nod to Fadda’s Italian heritage, there are significant pops of Ferrari red as well.

A panel of red roses beneath the ordering bar greets you as you walk in and beneath two other counters are bright red, wave textured panels, which have been repurposed and resprayed from the food court salad bars. Stainless steel underneath makes the colour stand out.

Also refurbished is a large rectangular mirror on the back wall, which enhances the sense of space, and on the far wall, by the buffet, is a mural of busy, happy chefs which had been next to the buffet in the food court. “We brought this one so the customers felt at home,” explains Fadda.

The countertops, matching back bar and customer tables are all made from Corian, which he describes as “very durable,” adding that “if it gets scratched, it can be polished. It’s easy to clean.” He bought it from Gorham’s.

Staying local, he got the customer stools from Gibbons, which are a break from the black, white and red colour palette. Instead, these are shades of blue, green and mustard suede but the top of the stool has a white, washable, leatherlooking slip cover to both protect the stools, and help them blend in with the rest of the interior.

“I chose all the colours,” says Fadda. “I did the flowers there to give it the Miami, South Beach look, because everytime I go to Miami I love that minimalistic, modern, more airy look. It’s much easier to keep clean, plus people love it.”

The most challenging part of the renovation, was the black floor. “I’m a lover of black floors because it shows up all the designer stuff I usually like,” he says, adding that “it gives a high dimension and contrasts with the white.”