Sir John A. Macdonald Building

exterior of sir john a macdonald building during the daytime

skylight view of sir john a macdonald building interior

side view of sir john a macdonald building exterior at night

glass panelling of sir john a macdonald building

hallways in sir john a macdonald building interior

Client	Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC)
Portfolio	Public Buildings
Services	Architecture Interior Design Mechanical Engineering Electrical Engineering
Size	57,726 SF (5,363 SM)
Location	Ottawa, ON, Canada
Date	June 2015

The Sir John A. Macdonald Building in Ottawa, originally built in 1932 as the Bank of Montreal, is considered one of Canada’s foremost heritage structures. It was given a second lease on life in 2015 when it was transformed into a new conference and meeting facility for Canada’s House of Commons.

The design team restored the building’s art deco facade and ornamented interior, transforming the former grand banking hall into a new ceremonial space for events of state. At the same time, the team modernized all infrastructure systems for optimum energy efficiency, safety, security and new seismic standards. A contemporary addition supports the conference facility while also filling a gap in this important streetscape across from Parliament Hill. The Sir John A. Macdonald Building achieves a perfect balance of historic context and contemporary functionality, and supports the long-term revitalization of Canada’s iconic Parliamentary Precinct.

Client	Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC)
Portfolio	Public Buildings
Services	Architecture Interior Design Mechanical Engineering Electrical Engineering
Size	57,726 SF (5,363 SM)
Location	Ottawa, ON, Canada
Date	June 2015

Awards

2018 World Architecture Community WA Awards 10+5+X (27th Cycle), Realized Project Award
2018 World Architecture Community WA Awards 10+5+X (27th Cycle), Community Selected Award
2017 Canada Green Building Council/SABMag – Award of Excellence for Existing Building Upgrade
2017 City of Ottawa, Architectural Conservation Awards – Award of Excellence, Adaptive Re-Use
2016 Green Globes Building Performance Assessment – Awarded Five Globes Rating
2016 Canadian Association of Heritage Professional Award of Excellence, Conservation Architecture
2015 National Trust for Canada Cornerstone Awards for Building Heritage Adaptive Reuse/Rehabilitation
2015 City of Ottawa, Award of Excellence: Urban Infill Low Rise
2015 Real Property Institute of Canada Award of Excellence in Heritage Conservation, Federal Heritage Buildings
2014 Canadian Association of Heritage Professionals, Award of Excellence, Heritage Planning – Adaptive Reuse