West Block of Parliament
The restoration of the West Block of Parliament is one of the largest rehabilitation projects in North America. The 19th-century building has been completely modernized with state-of-the-art facilities, while the heritage and character-defining elements have been preserved with the utmost respect and sensitivity.The project itself is of historic significance as it is the first time in 100 years that a new House of Commons has been built and the government relocated.
The Parliament buildings are classified federal heritage buildings and are the finest examples of neo-Gothic architecture in North America. EVOQ, in joint venture with Architecture 49, was mandated to conduct a Heritage Structure Report, conduct two pilot projects on the Southeast and North Towers, restore and rehabilitate the exterior envelope, and design the contemporary addition of an interim House of Commons under a glass canopy roof.
Architecture 49
Jayant Gupta
Award of Merit, Architectural Category
Canadian Institute of Steel Construction
Award for Federal Buildings Heritage Conservation Excellence
Real Property Institute of Canada
Award of Excellence, Conservation: Architecture
Canadian Association of Heritage Professionals (CAHP)
Certificate of Merit for Innovation in Architecture
Royal Architectural Institute of Canada
North American Copper in Architecture Award for Outstanding Use of Architectural Copper in Building Design and Construction
Copper Development Association Inc.
BAC Craft Award for Best Restoration / Rehabilitation / Maintenance Project
International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (BAC)
Preservation of a Heritage Building Award
Canadian Association of Heritage Professionals (CAHP)
Minister’s Award
Public Works and Government Services Canada
The rehabilitation project was developed to reach several sustainability targets, which include 75% construction waste diversion, 15-20% improved performance compared to the Model National Energy Code, reduction in carbon emissions from the life-cycle environmental impact of construction and building operations, and response to social sustainability issues, including enhanced public access and conservation of heritage structures. Design and planning efforts to reach these targets were assessed under the Green Globes System. The most advanced design technology was used to fine-tune the building envelope composition and the configuration of systems in domains such as thermal performance, solar collection, heating distribution, daylight control, and seasonal operations cycles. Modified dynamic buffer zones were installed in the lower levels. The Client undertook the certification process in a separate mandate and the project received 4 Green Globes in 2020.
