The renovation and expansion of Carmen Corbassan Community Centre in Toronto upgrades the existing structure, adding 4,181 m² (45,000 sf) of new recreation space.

Nestled adjacent to a wooded area, the design takes advantage of its park-like setting to connect with the natural surroundings.

A transparent volume brings sunlight into the interior, creating a “Pavilion in the Forest” where the community can connect with one another through physical activity and with nature.

Carmen Corbasson Community Centre sits directly adjacent to Cawthra Wood, which is home to a deciduous forest to the north and east and fronting Cawthra Road to the west.

Along the east side of the building, there was an expanse of blank facade adjacent to Cawthra Wood, which now has the new natatorium and fitness programs.

The horizontality of the building’s composition is reinforced through a terracotta panel cladding system.

One enters the building through a new glazed vestibule and is welcomed by a large double-height lobby illuminated from the south. From the lobby, patrons have views into the arena ahead, aquatics and fitness areas to the right, or the gym to the left, with new glazed openings creating a clear and intuitive wayfinding throughout. The centre’s gymnasium connects directly to the forest to the north with double-height glazing.

The timber structure of the original lobby roof has been replicated and extended to link the renewed lobby to the natatorium to the east, creating continuity between old and new.

Read more about the project here.