225 Bruyère House - Integrated Project Dossier (2015)

While the structure isn’t as complex architecture-wise in comparison to other homes, it holds value in regards to Ottawa’s true heritage and origins. 225 Bruyère is located in one of Ottawa’s initial neighbourhoods, and the main reason why it is an interest for historic assessment is due to its capability to physically provide an insight of the city’s ‘working class’ past and heritage. The residence mainly exhibits a vernacular architectural style, where the basic need for housing surpassed the luxury of design, thus the significance of the home is a focus on heritage over architecture. 225 Bruyère is a prime example of how the lower-class immigrants in the 1800s lived; a topic that is not often mentioned or discussed in heritage conservation. With the home being over 150 years and sustaining most of its original features, this type of construction and architectural style is no longer attained and is very unique in terms of historic preservation; it serves as part of Ottawa’s cultural significance that future generations can view as an example of how their immigrant ancestors settled and underwent adversities to achieve a better life. As 225 Bruyère is based on a vernacular architecture with slight influences of a worker’s cottage. There are not many ornamental features serving as character-defining elements, yet it still stands as a noteworthy structure with very few of its kind remaining. This is the Integrated Project Dossier compiled by a group of undergraduate students of the Architectural Conservation and Sustainability Program (Engineers and architects) at Carleton University for the CIVE3207 (ARCN4100) Historic Site Recording and Assessment course in 2015.