Canadian architecture firm RDHA has added glazed volumes to an old limestone post office in Cambridge, Ontario as part of its transformation into a community centre with makerspaces.
RDH Architects Inc (RDHA) renovated and expanded the landmarked masonry structure ? completed by Canadian architect Thomas Fuller in 1885 as a government building, and then later turned into post office ? as it had fallen into disrepair on Cambridge's Grand River.
Photograph is by Sanjay Chauhan
Created for the city's library system, which rebranded as the Idea Exchange in 2015 to offer public library services, programmes and events, the community centre aims to rethink the format of the traditional library.

Rather than containing shelves filled with books, the Idea Exchange Old Post Office instead has makerspaces, audio and film studios, a children's discovery centre, a cafe and lounge. Because of this, it is billed as "Canada's first bookless library". The Idea Exchange Queen's Square branch has an extensive book collection and is located just across the river.

The four-storey building spans 18,686 square feet (1,736 square metres) and encompasses the Romanesque and Neo-Gothic style structure with two glazed extensions.
RDHA's project preserves a number of elements from the original building, including pillars, archways and stained glass windows. Its slate roof was also restored.

The two additions extend outwards over the riverfront; one runs along the base of the building over t...