At the Ladies’ Golf Club of Toronto in Thornhill, Canada, Dubbeldam Architecture + Design has completed a new midway pavilion that supports golfers with a sheltered rest point at the centre of the course. The 41 m² structure provides self-serve refreshments and washroom facilities, while maintaining a low visual impact within its natural surroundings of trees, fairways and an adjacent irrigation pond.

The pavilion is characterised by a low, horizontal roofline that serves as a visible marker across the landscape. An extended overhang doubles the shaded exterior area, creating a sheltered patio where players can pause between holes. The building’s compact form and restrained material palette contribute to a quiet presence within the wider landscape setting.

Materials and Construction

Timber is the primary material, used for both interior and exterior surfaces. A cedar ceiling continues across the threshold, forming a consistent material expression. Slim steel columns support the oversized roof, providing structural clarity and preserving open views. Stone and concrete pavers laid in a herringbone pattern define the patio and reflect a simple, functional approach to outdoor flooring in high-use areas.

At the pavilion’s entry, a metal screen with angled vertical bars conceals the washroom doors and introduces a graphic element that will gradually integrate with planted vines. Over time, these climbing plants will add additional shading and texture, contributing to the structure’s integration with the surrounding vegetation.

Environmental Considerations

The pavilion is intended for seasonal use and therefore operates without conventional heating, cooling or insulation. Instead, large operable windows on three sides provide natural cross-ventilation, supported by ceiling fans. Abundant glazing maximises daylight and maintains visual links with the landscape, reducing the need for artificial lighting when in use.

Rainwater management is addressed without gutters: water flows directly from the roof into a perimeter bed of river stones, allowing it to infiltrate the ground and limiting surface run-off. Combined with the building’s timber construction and minimal mechanical systems, these strategies reduce material use and overall environmental impact.

Context

The project forms part of a broader masterplan for the Ladies’ Golf Club of Toronto, a historic institution known as the only women’s golf club in North America. Developed on a modest budget, the pavilion introduces a contemporary architectural element while aligning with the club’s long-term renewal strategy.

Source: Dubbeldam Architecture + Design via v2com
Photos: Scott Norsworthy