A cherished space in Ottawa, the NCC Tin House Court is located in Ottawa’s historic Byward Market. This National Capital Commission (NCC) project included construction of a new building at 7 Clarence Street, renovations and upgrades to 13-15 Clarence Street, and included improved universal access for 445-465 and 3 Clarence Street.
The new building at 7 Clarence Street replaces a historic stone building which previously housed ‘Memories Restaurant’ and was demolished in 2015 due to significant structural issues. The new design for the 1800 sq.ft replacement building was developed in close collaboration with the NCC and the public. The building design acknowledges two objectives – one that respects the traditional character of the dense urban city block, and the other as a gateway to Tin House Court. The design also incorporates mass timber in the structure and uses two methods of bird friendly glass design.
Tin House Courtyard
Accessible design
The building was designed to be fully accessible with a grade level entrance, elevator, and accessible washrooms. Universal access was improved at the entrances to 445-465 Sussex Drive and 3 Clarence by modifying the existing doors, sills and interiors along the entrances including upgrades to common spaces, stairwells, atriums, ramps and the addition of a new elevator.
Extensive renovations on all floors of 13-15 Clarence, over 100 years old, included access renovations, code compliance and major kitchen renovations in the basement of the ‘Black Thorn Café.
Sustainable features
The selection of non-toxic low/no VOC off-gassing materials are among other important sustainable design features incorporated into the design.