NCC River House

The primary challenge was to incorporate the Client’s functional program requirements and the required structural & code upgrades while respecting/enhancing the building’s heritage value. The building’s unique location, constructed on piles in the Ottawa River and accessed only by a pedestrian bridge to the main shore line was an ongoing challenge throughout the project.

The design team worked closely with the NCC throughout the project to establish solutions to meet the stated objectives, and with the CM and the NCC to issue sequential drawing packages as required during construction. Restoration efforts, which were done on this building situated on an open body of water, included insulating the building to make it available for all-season use, bring the building to code, restoring doors, and replacing or repairing deteriorated siding and windows in a manner that preserved the historic character of the building.

Project work also included improving accessibility, installing a lift, installing a new foot bridge reminiscent of the 1930s entrance to the Boathouse, increasing capacity limits, stripping the building of lead paint, repainting surfaces and restoring an area known as the ‘Gentleman’s Smoking Lounge’.