We spend more than 90% of our lives indoors*, and the spaces where we live, work, sleep, and play shape nearly every part of our well-being. From the quality of our sleep to our moods, focus, productivity, and overall energy, our environments profoundly impact how we feel and function.
When we set out to build our office, we weren’t just creating a workspace—we were crafting an environment that embodies everything we stand for as builders: thoughtful design, exceptional quality, and a commitment to well-being.
At Cardea, every project begins with a simple yet powerful question: “How do you want to feel in this space?”
For our office, the answer was clear. We wanted a place that supported clarity, calm, focus, and vitality—principles that guide every home they build. Our office became a living showcase of the same values and features we bring into our clients’ homes, integrating wellness, sustainability, and timeless design into every detail.
It’s more than an office—it’s proof that our spaces have the power to nurture, restore, and inspire us.
A Human-Centered Approach to Design
Unlike traditional offices designed around cubicles or productivity metrics, the Cardea family office was designed around people. Every square foot was intentionally planned to support the well-being of those who work within it.
Open, flowing spaces encourage natural movement and spontaneous collaboration, while private areas offer quiet reflection, focus, or rest. The balance between openness and privacy creates an environment that honors different working styles and emotional needs.
“Designing for people means designing for energy and restoration,” explains the team. “We wanted an office where you could feel energized and focused, but also grounded and at ease.”
This philosophy translates seamlessly into Cardea’s residential projects. Every home is intentionally planned, designed, and constructed to encourage healthier daily living—from the placement of rooms and windows to the materials chosen for walls, floors, and finishes. It’s about designing a home not just for today’s functionality, but for a lifetime of physical and emotional well-being.
Letting Light Lead the Way
Natural light plays a starring role in the office design. Large windows and strategically placed skylights allow daylight to penetrate deep into the space, minimizing the need for artificial lighting during the day. This reduces energy use and supports the body’s natural circadian rhythms, improving mood, focus, and sleep quality.
“We designed the light to follow you through the day,” says Matteo, Vice-President, Cardea Homes. “Morning light floods the work areas to energize you. By afternoon, it’s softer and gentler, creating a natural wind-down.”
It’s the same principle Cardea applies in their homes: creating light-filled interiors that connect homeowners to the rhythms of nature. Because when you live in sync with natural light, you’re not just saving on electricity—you’re supporting your overall health.
Breathing Easy: Prioritizing Clean Air
In today’s world, indoor air quality has never been more important. The office features a high-performance air filtration system, ensuring every breath is clean and free of harmful pollutants. The system filters out dust, allergens, mold spores, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), creating an indoor environment that actively supports respiratory health.
This commitment to clean air mirrors the air quality systems that Cardea integrates into making its homes net-zero-ready, systems that not only protect the environment but also safeguard the health of everyone who lives inside.
“Invisible toxins are one of the greatest health risks in modern homes,” Matteo notes. “We design every home and office to minimize those risks, so people can truly breathe easy.”
Building Without Harm: Choosing Healthier Materials
Every material chosen for the office was carefully vetted for sustainability and safety. From non-toxic paints and finishes to low-emitting adhesives, flooring, and cabinetry, the space avoids harmful chemicals that can off-gas into the air over time.
It’s the same meticulous care Cardea brings to every project. By choosing materials that are good for the earth, good for your wallet, and good for your health, they create spaces that feel as safe and nurturing as they are beautiful.
“Sustainable design isn’t just about the environment—it’s about human health,” the team explains. “We believe you shouldn’t have to choose between beauty and well-being.”
Bringing Nature In: Biophilic Design
Biophilic design elements infuse the office with a sense of calm and connection to nature. Lush greenery, natural textures, organic shapes, and earthy materials soften the environment, reduce stress, and boost overall well-being.
Planters brimming with greenery line the windows, while wood accents and stone finishes bring the outside in. Even the artwork reflects natural themes, reminding everyone inside of their connection to the world beyond the walls.
For Cardea, this isn’t a fleeting design trend; it’s a core value. Their homes feature natural materials, living walls, and thoughtful landscaping, allowing homeowners to reconnect with the natural world. Studies have shown that being surrounded by natural elements lowers blood pressure, reduces anxiety, and improves cognitive function—a philosophy woven into every Cardea project.
Sound, Color, and Emotional Connection
Every detail, from the acoustics to the color palette, was carefully chosen to create an atmosphere of balance and calm. Acoustic panels and soft furnishings help absorb excess noise, creating a quieter and more peaceful environment.
Warm neutrals, calming greens, and muted earth tones fill the space with a subtle sense of serenity. Vintage and artisan-made pieces add warmth, authenticity, and a sense of story, just as Cardea’s homes are filled with timeless touches that make a house feel truly like home.
“It’s not about flashy finishes or the latest trend,” Marco Golini, Vice President, shares, “It’s about creating a feeling—a space that supports your best self.”
A Living Reflection of Their Values
In the Cardea Office, design and wellness are seamlessly intertwined—a philosophy that guides every home they build. It’s a testament to their belief that where we live and work significantly influences how we feel, heal, and ultimately, thrive.
Visitors to the office often remark that it doesn’t feel like a typical workplace; it feels like home. And that’s precisely the point.
“Whether we’re designing an office or a family home, our goal is the same: to create spaces where people feel healthy, safe, and truly at ease,” says Paul Golini, President of Cardea. “When it came to our own office, we wanted a partner who shared those values. Working with Andrea Kantelberg, Founder of Evolved LivingTM brought that vision to life. The result is a space that supports us emotionally, physically, and mentally. That’s the future of homebuilding—and it starts right here.”
In crafting our workplace as an extension of our values, we have created a powerful example of what’s possible when design and wellness go hand in hand. It’s not just about what’s visible; it’s about what’s felt. And for us, that feeling of well-being is the foundation of every beautiful home we build.
Building wellness into everyday living.
Credit:
The Cardea Head Office was conceived, designed, and executed through the Evolved Living Methodology, a trademarked and copyrighted body of work authored by Andrea Kantelberg.
* https://delos.com/