The United Kingdom Government’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) is modernizing their ongoing commitment of maintaining the British High Commission (BHC) in Canada. The current High Commission building, at 80 Elgin Street, does not suit the needs of the FCO and does not reflect their way of working. The proposed new British High Commission at 140 Sussex Drive will provide a modern work environment for Ottawa based FCO staff and will recognize the United Kingdom’s relationship with Canada.
The subject property is located at 140 Sussex Drive. It is the location of the official residence of the British High Commissioner in Canada.
The new British High Commission will be three stories in height and will feature a volumetric composition of cantilevered floors providing shade and protection to levels below. The building’s design and layout has resulted in a Gross Floor Area of 1,658 m2.
With regards to its massing and elevational treatment, the north side of the proposed building responds to the existing Earnsliffe residence and, as such, is capped at two stories in deference to the older building.
The southern volume is capped at three stories. This strategy helps to minimize the building’s footprint with the additional floor space at a distance from the residence and partially concealed in the tree canopy along Sussex Drive. The proposed building is intended to have a discreet presence on Sussex Drive in keeping with its neighbours.
Architect: HOK Architects
Development application:
https://app01.ottawa.ca/postingplans...appId=__BP4HGZ
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