Authentic hard lofts are rare in Ottawa, which makes them that much more unique and some of the hottest places to live. Are you interested in loft living or curious to learn about the top hard lofts across Ottawa? Read below for more information and see what the top hard lofts in Ottawa are.

What is a hard loft? 

In order to be a hard loft, a former industrial or commercial use space must be converted into a residential living space. Some common features to expect are an old building, often exposed brick, visible mechanical elements of the building such as pipes and beams, large windows and vaulted ceilings. A lofted ceiling that allows a living space to feel much larger than the square footage of the floor plan. Ceiling heights from 11 to 16 ft are common. Of special interest, will be the history of the building. The story that these conversions tell is almost as important as the design in conveying the style of the home. The trick with Hard Lofts is there must be underutilized or vacant industrial space near to an urban centre. Simply converting a vacant factory in the middle of nowhere, doesn’t have much appeal.

What is a soft loft? 

Soft Lofts are new builds designed to offer the space and style of a hard loft. The demand for hard lofts far exceeds availability and the costs associated with these one-of-a-kind spaces, place them out of reach for many buyers. Here is where the Soft Loft comes to life. Builders, eager to fill the demand for open concept spaces, adopted the term loft and applied it to units which outside of the conversion elements, fit the design and style criteria of a loft.

Check out our top 5 hottest hard lofts in Ottawa based on our most visited building pages.

#5 - Yard & Station

Yard & Station, our fifth most visited building page is located the heart of Hintonburg. This historic school house building was originally constructed in 1933. Dramatic renovations were completed in 2015. Loft lovers with enjoy the open concept units with high ceilings and lots of natural light.

#4 - School House Lofts

School House Lofts is just a few blocks over from Yard & Station. This building was converted in 2009 from Ecole du Sacre Coeur. Those who visit School House Lofts can expect exposed brick walls, exposed ducts, floor to ceiling windows, 12’ ceilings, balconies and large terraces. We love that the developer preserved the clay-tiled canopy at the building’s entrance.

#3 - Wallis House

Wallis House, a classic heritage building unlike no other. Wallis House is located on Rideau Street in Lowertown. Built in 1883, this building was originally one of Ottawa’s first modern hospitals. After the hospital closed in 1924 it served as a seminary, barracks, veteran housing, an armory and during the Second World War Canadian Military Soldiers occupied the building. Wallis house was officially designated a Heritage Building by the City of Ottawa in 1990. Following this designation, the building interior was converted to the current 46 authentic lofts. They were designed keeping in mind the Heritage significance of this amazing building with Cathedral ceilings, wide hallways, and soaring window, which boast a New York-style loft feeling.

#2 - Warehouse Lofts

Warehouse Lofts, located at 95 Beech in the heart of Little Italy. Prior to its conversion in 2000, Warehouse lofts was a factory warehouse creating a variety of products of the year. The lofts feature warm hardwood floors, high quality and creative built-ins, exposed brick walls, wood beams, and high cathedral ceilings! The beautiful timber beams used in the conversion project are a stand out in this building, setting it apart from other loft conversions in the city.

#1 - Studio Argyle

Located between Elgin Street and Bank Street, our most visited hard loft building page in Ottawa is Studio Argyle. The red brick, cream accents and architecture make this such a unique eye catching loft. This loft would be perfect for the artsy modern student, professional or retiree.