Ottawa Heritage Award of Merit 2019
Category: Adaptive Re-use

The Dairy Building was built in 1895 on the grounds of the Rideau Hall Estate to accommodate all dairy-related activities on the domain. It was originally located in the Sugar Bush area in proximity to the Stable Building and was later moved to the Operational Zone in 1916 to shelter outbuildings from public areas. In the following decade, dairy activities ceased, and the building became an artist studio and subsequently storage space. In 1987, the Dairy Building was designated as a Recognized building by the Federal Heritage Buildings Review Office (FHBRO).

The structure was deconstructed in a panelized approach and transported to a workshop where further assessment of the extreme wood decay was performed.

Necessary stud replacements were completed, the compromised ring-beam was replaced, and the wall panels were rebuilt and transported back to site for reconstruction on new concrete foundations.

New siding and mouldings were reproduced to match existing profiles. The original windows had been previously removed and they were replaced with thermally performing modern wood windows with historic detailing, from a Canadian manufacturer. Based on the thorough paint analysis performed across the Rideau Hall complex by our team in the early 2000’s, a known early colour scheme was established and reinstated for the Dairy Building to match other outbuildings.

The restored building respects the integrity of the original design: approximately 35% of the structural framing, 50% of the plank sheathing, 55% of the exterior siding, 85% of the interior T&G paneling were reused in the project. New wood material matched dimensions, profiles and - where possible - the wood species of the existing. Lost elements were replicated where evidence existed.

On January 28, 2017, His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, introduced the Dairy Building at the Official Opening Ceremony. This building was named the Winter Pavilion and was one of the NCC’s Confederation Pavilions as part of the Canada 150 Celebrations.