Day Hall Renewal, University of Guelph

Guelph, Ontario

The Day Hall renewal project is a renovation, restoration and transformation of an existing heritage building located at the University of Guelph. The two-storey plus basement addition will maximize the site’s development potential and contribute to the intensification of the campus core, accommodating the spatial needs of a central classroom facility, including a student atrium lounge, classrooms, labs, attic studio, faculty offices, meeting rooms, and congregational space for 120 occupants.

A transparent contemporary addition will create a larger footprint to help house the requested program. The renewal will retain significant portions of the existing historic building façades and interior structure, incorporating these elements into a larger, newly constructed building. Architecturally, the design responds to the natural and built landscapes, merging organic forms with historic architecture. New additions will feature bold, fluid volumes that engage with the site’s context.

The historic entrance will be retained as the primary point of access, honouring the existing building’s composition and entry functions. The revitalized entry will be made fully accessible through the redevelopment of Winegard Walk, the University’s signature walkway immediately adjacent to Day Hall. The manipulation of grades will provide users with ground-level entry from both the east and west sides of the building into a new atrium.

The design will target CaGBC Zero Carbon Building Standards and include sustainable initiatives such as: extensive new glazed curtain wall, custom ceramic frit patterns, and photo-voltaic field. The building will also tie into the University’s de-carbonized Central Utilities Plant.

Day Hall’s prominent location and historic architecture present a unique opportunity for an exciting renewal project that revitalizes an iconic campus space. The design will transform the landscape of Winegard Walk, establish a highly sustainable facility, and incorporate contemporary transparency and views to showcase the vibrancy of this dynamic new facility to the entire campus.

2025 Canadian Architect Award of Excellence