Innovation and Health Converge Michlol and Apleona Group Leads a Unique Project at IBM Labs in Haifa

Innovation and health merge at IBM’s Haifa lab, as Michlol, a subsidiary of Electra FM, leads a groundbreaking project, the first of its kind in Israel. The seven-story building, spanning 7,500 square meters, was completely renovated while ensuring the continuous operations of IBM employees on site. This ambitious project integrated two rigorous international standards — LEED for green building and WELL for user health — ensuring energy efficiency alongside a workspace that promotes both the physical and mental well-being of employees.

At the heart of the project was the mission to create an advanced, healthy, and sustainable workspace, overcoming significant challenges. One of the biggest challenges was continuing work alongside daily operations, which required creative solutions such as dual HVAC and water systems, adjusted working hours, and limited staging areas. In terms of design, a balance had to be struck between the vision of the local architect, who designed vibrant-colored spaces, and the requirements of IBM’s global teams to maintain more subdued color schemes.

The project included a comprehensive upgrade of the building down to the concrete skeleton, with a vision of creating an advanced, healthy, and sustainable work environment. The result is a versatile structure with spacious open-plan work areas, smart climate and lighting management systems, and diverse spaces for employee well-being, including a gym, meditation rooms, nursing rooms, and stylish relaxation areas. One of the most impressive innovations is the multi-purpose dining hall, which can accommodate 50 to 400 participants, featuring semi-electric folding partition walls clad in recycled bottle felt strips.

The project showcases the professional capabilities of Michlol and Electra FM, who created a workspace that not only looks impressive but also supports employee health and well-being while preserving the environment. The building features advanced smart systems for air circulation, flushing, and lighting management, aligned with natural light, and is designed with striking aesthetics. This is an excellent example of how the office of tomorrow should look, blending innovation, health, and sustainability.