Theory: Loads

Mother Nature hates buildings. She has many forces which try to push, pull bend and twist our buildings apart. These forces are the loads our buildings must be able to resist in order to remain standing. These loads can include gravity, wind, snow, and even the mass of the building itself. Loads can be broken… Read More

On Theory

Architectural history is tied in a large part to its theory. What is possible on the Artistic side, is a function of the available technology and materials. Locally the Chicago Style, on buildings Like Nova Scotia Furnishings, was used to show modernity. Light facades filled with windows, were only possible through the use of the… Read More

Missing from Barrington Street.

The Corner of Barrington and George street has an interesting history. Hit by a fire on January 12,1912 which Started in the Munnis Building, The fire spread through the block in all directions. the Cabot Building (which still stands today prevented the fire from spreading further.    The Fire stopped at the Cabot building, and… Read More

Nova Scotia Furnishings

Designed in 1894 by architect Edward Elliot in the Chicago Style.The Chicago Style developed after the 1871 Chicago fire, and made use of the latest technologies in building. Chicago style buildings date from 1895-1930, and are typically designed with Metal (cast or wrought Iron and later steel) skeleton structural systems. This freed the walls to… Read More

George Wright Residence

Located on the Corner of Inglis St and Young Ave. in the south End, this house has some significant history. The House was designed by J.C. Dumaresq, in 1902 for Geroge Wright. (Note that this will not be the last time we hear of this Client/Architect relationship)Wright himself Was quite weathy, owning both the St.… Read More

Halifax Drill Hall

Drawings from Canadian Architect and Builder, Feb 1897 showcasing the new building to the rest of Canada. The Halifax Drill Hall was built in 1895, to a design by Thomas Fuller, the Chief Architect with theB department of public works in Ottawa. It was one of the first buildings in Canada to make use of… Read More

Canada Permanent Building

Canada Permanent Building, built in 1961-1962, Was designed by Charles A. Fowler and Jamie Macdonald. It is Significant because it was Halifax' s First Completed Curtain Wall Structure. A curtain wall is an exterior wall that is hung from the… Read More

RNSYS Summer clubhouse

Summer Club House for the "Royal Nova Scotia Yacht Squadron," Halifax, Designed by the firm of Edward & Webster of Toronto.     From Canadian Architect and Builder 1889, Issue 9: This little building, though intendeded for summer use only, is very substanially built. the material is frame on foundation of brick piers. the exterior… Read More

Is Barrington Street a Typo?

Could it be, that the main street running through the heart of Halifax, may have been the victim of a typo? When Halifax was founded, Streets were named after British Statesmen. There was no Barrington in 1749 prominanate enough to have a street named after them. There was the Earl of Harrington however. - He… Read More