In Ottawa, a Dilapidated Carport Becomes a Perfect Perch for Birdwatching

Designed by 25:8 Architecture, the high-flying addition provides a couple with an elevated lookout—and space to stretch their wings.

In Ottawa, a Dilapidated Carport Becomes a Perfect Perch for Birdwatching

Designed by 25:8 Architecture, the high-flying addition provides a couple with an elevated lookout—and space to stretch their wings.

Designed by 25:8 Architecture, the high-flying addition provides a couple with an elevated lookout—and space to stretch their wings.

This striking addition was designed for a family of birdwatchers—but if you had a pair of binoculars in hand, it would be pretty hard to resist turning them on the project itself. With its wing-like design and angular vernacular, this cedar-clad structure calls to mind a sparrow in flight (at least to an architecture nerd).

BEFORE: The carport was nothing to write home about.

It’s the work of Ottawa-based 25:8 Architecture and lead architect Jay Lim. Though the homeowners (a pair of civil servants) simply asked the firm to replace a sagging carport with a small extension, Lim pushed them to set their sights higher: How did they actually envision using the space? What did they actually like to do?

When they mentioned their favorite pastime, it "kicked everything off," says Lim. The house is located on the edge of a National Capital Commission park (which is preserved and protected by the Canadian government), so feathered friends are constantly passing by. "The family has so many binoculars," Lim says with a laugh. 

Though the other buildings in the neighborhood are more traditional,
A cedar screen slides in front of the picture window to keep the glass protected during driveway basketball games.

See the full story on Dwell.com: In Ottawa, a Dilapidated Carport Becomes a Perfect Perch for Birdwatching
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