Efficient glulam and CLT construction process
accelerates project timeline
Orillia, ON
The Orillia Waterfront Centre is a significant community space on the shores of the picturesque Lake Couchiching in central Ontario. A popular amenity for the residents of Orillia, and a thoroughfare for visiting boaters, the building boasts a CLT, glulam, and glass lounge that provides expansive, scenic views along the water’s edge.
The program of the $1.9-million, single-story features administration offices, washrooms and showers, and a large community space. The 5,106-sq.ft. building provides private services to boaters while also serving the general community as a venue for weddings, meetings and events. The principal room overlooking the marina can be divided into two, more intimately sized spaces, using large CLT pivot doors cut and assembled to reflect naval flag patterning.
The design-build project was a joint partnership between the architects, builders, engineers, and CLT fabricators. In a demonstration of the efficiency of building technologies, the glulam and CLT were erected in a single day, saving considerable time over traditional construction methods. CLT led to further efficiencies in construction as it is used in this case both as structure and as interior finish.
The center establishes a sense of place on the waterfront. A key part of its success derives from its extensive use of wood in its public-facing areas, a familiar material whose warm tones invite use. It is a timeless material whose innate familiarity will help the pavilion age gracefully in the years ahead.
The Orillia Waterfront Centre serves as a beacon for the community and features a lightbox sitting atop the community lounge, drawing the public toward its warm wood interior. In the few summer months since its opening, the building has quickly become a well-loved destination point for the visitors and residents of Orillia.
Architect
Brook McIlroy Inc.
Toronto, ON
Structural Engineer
Steenhof Building Services
Orillia, ON
General Contractor
Bradanick Construction Services
Orillia, ON
Timber Supplier
Element5 Co.
Toronto, ON
Photography
Tom Arban
Toronto, ON
