Duff Baby House

Nominee for Peter Stokes Restoration Award – Small Scale

Built in 1798, Windsor’s Duff-Bâby House is the oldest standing structure in Canada west of Toronto. Over its 225-year history, the house survived the War of 1812, served as a meeting place for Chief Tecumseh, and acted as a stop on the Underground Railroad.

By 2024, the building required urgent structural repairs to address aging timber framing and deterioration. Led by +VG Architects in cooperation with the owener, The Ontario Heritage Trust, a meticulous two-year, $2-million conservation project successfully stabilized the roof system, restored the exterior envelope, and installed modern climate controls to protect the interior.

What makes this project unique is its balance of physical preservation and modern technology. Because the historic layout cannot be modified for physical accessibility, the team introduced interactive innovations to bridge the gap. Using a custom mobile app and QR codes, visitors can access deep historical context, architectural details, and tailored educational tracks. This digital twin format also allows remote classrooms across Ontario to tour the house virtually.

By combining standard-setting heritage craftsmanship with digital tools, the project ensures the Duff-Bâby House remains structurally secure and highly accessible to the public.