Butcher Shop
Ottawa

This project saw the conversion of a heritage designated, 19th century butcher shop into a single family residence. The renovation/addition project had to meet the strict criteria imposed by its Ottawa heritage designation imparted on the building’s front facade and massing. 

We pushed the envelope with the progressive design and maintained a strong connection with certain historical elements of the old structure and its history.

Sunken Seating

Sunken Seating

The sunken social space invites visitors to cozy-up with a glass of wine and contemplate the double-sided fireplace.

Embracing History

Embracing History

The existing materials that clad the walls and ceilings of the old butcher shop were reclaimed to keep the character of the original building.

Design Insight - Butcher Block

 The commercial style kitchen in cool blues, stainless steel and charcoal grey is juxtaposed by the old-world warmth of a butcher block, specially constructed to honour the house’s humble beginnings.  

The dining area sits beside an exterior wall, cut with windows of specific varying sizes.
Room for Growth

Room for Growth

An atrium-style interior garden located in the middle of the ground floor is occupied by a tree or palm that will reaches up through two storeys, towards a large skylight.  

Talking Gardens

Talking Gardens

The proximity of the interior garden to the exterior garden creates a sense of connection to the outdoors.

“To say we love the new Butcherhouse sounds cliché. But we do. The Butcherhouse still sits on the sidewalk, but now it sits up proud with a definite attitude!”
- Client
Upstairs, squared-off, dingy spaces have become bright bedrooms, and gleaming bathrooms.

Collaborators

Construction : Constructive Behaviour

Metal wall and Light fixtures : Client

Landscape Design : Martin Kovar (Swantel Landscaping)

Photography : Erin Warder