Midland YMCA
The YMCA Midland Revitalization Project entailed design and contract administration services for the construction of an extensive set of renovation activities within the existing facility.
+VG Architects were initially retained to provide a facility Condition Assessment and Master Plan for the phased implementation of program and deferred maintenance upgrades.
Extensive investigations into building envelope failures were conducted, including destructive testing. Partial re-roofing and wall envelope repairs were performed to remediate the integrity of the vapour barrier, which had been compromised causing the high-humidity air to damage the exterior bonded masonry wall. Key program upgrades included:
Renovate all Locker Facilities
Add a new Family Change Room
New Windows into the Pool & Gymnasium
New Entrance & Stair at North Side
Relocate and enlarge Conditioning Area
Renovate Reception and Public Spaces
New multi-purpose fitness studios
Life Safety and HVAC upgrades
The project accomplished twin agendas of extending the usable lifespan of the building for another 25 years, and refreshing the space through a design, which focused on creating light, open, healthy, and inviting spaces.
by Nicole Konrad
Victoria Park Stadium Fieldhouse
Victoria Park Stadium is a highly regarded soccer specific stadium in the north-eastern part of the City.
The stadium has been in operation since the 1970's and required significant upgrades to the fence enclosure, bleacher seating areas and scoreboard, as well as the provision of a Fieldhouse, housing a ticket kiosk, public washroom facilities, and change rooms for the players.
+VG was retained by the City of Brampton to design and administer construction of the various improvements. The project mandate from the client stressed 'enclosure' and 'public gateway' as key objectives in that events scheduled at the Stadium are often high profile and ticketed.
A material palette was developed for the project that was robust – precast concrete, galvanized steel, and brick. These materials were utilized in combination to create rhythm and interest while unifying the Stadium with the adjacent arena building to create a cohesive recreation complex.
Phase One involved the removal and replacement of the existing fence enclosure, bleacher stands, and scoreboard. The design of the new fence involves a combination of pigmented precast concrete panels and custom-designed galvanized steel channel fence panels that are both robust and opaque. An accent wall in brick was located at the vehicle gate into the Stadium.
Phase Two completes the stadium enclosure with the construction of a new Fieldhouse building along the eastern edge of the field, creating a new public entrance into the stadium. The public enter past the ticket kiosk through a "breezeway" that can be secured with sliding gates when the stadium is not in use. The Fieldhouse also provides public and universal washrooms; two team change rooms, a referees change room, and an alternate change room; and some minor service spaces.
Brampton, Ontario
City of Brampton
New Fieldhouse & Stadium Improvements
Vellore Village Community Centre Fitness Expansion
The City of Vaughan retained +VG Architects in the Spring of 2010 to design the new 10,000 ft² fitness club attached to the multi-use recreation centre and high school in the Village of Vellore.
The facility is to serve as a separate fee fitness club complete with its own change rooms, saunas, and controlled access.
While the change rooms are for the fitness centre, they also have direct access to the pool. The fitness centre is housed primarily in a two-storey glazed area housing the conditioning and weight room. Other facilities include a cycle fit room and testing area. Materials and massing are designed to blend with the existing building, which was completed in 2006.
City of Vaughan
Legends-on-the-Niagara Golf Clubhouse
The Legends-on-the-Niagara Golf Clubhouse is a five star golf facility for Niagara Parks Commission, representing the cornerstone for golf in Niagara and beyond.
The clubhouse is situated on a man-made lake on the historic site of the War of 1812 – Battle of Chippawa, which occurred on July 5th, 1814. This facility was built to enhance tourism to the Niagara Golf Trail.
Legends-on-the-Niagara features two 18 hole courses – "The Battlefield" by Doug Carrick and "Usher's Creek" by Thomas McBroom. Usher's Creek was the site of a pivotal battle on July 15th, 1814 where American forces won their first battle against the British in the war of 1812.
Because it is part of the holdings of the Niagara Parks Commission, the designers wanted a park-like pavilion. +VG drew on the historic and local themes of historic forts, local buildings and parks pavilions, as well as the escarpment itself to develop the architectural concept. The facility offers lockers, casual Bar/Bistro and fully equipped pro shop, and also includes banquet facilities for up to 300 in tournaments, and underground cart storage.
Legends-on-the-Niagara Golf Club
Wyndance Golf Clubhouse
The site for this "platinum level" golf facility, with a course designed by golfing legend Greg Norman, is a surreal landscape of rugged terrain, wild grasses, sand and gravel deposits, and turquoise pools.
The architectural inspiration is the Southwest language typified by resorts in Arizona and New Mexico. The 25,000 ft² facility offers large deck areas overlooking the landscape with exterior amenities, such as covered patios and stone fireplaces. The building accommodates banquet facilities, member bar, dining and lounge areas, locker rooms, fully equipped pro shop, indoor cart storage for over 100 carts, and a large commercial kitchen. The central stone mass, or "butte", houses the rooftop mechanical equipment and kitchen below.
Uxbridge, Ontario
Wyndance Golf Club
OslerBrook Golf Clubhouse
The course, designed by award-winning Canadian golf course architect Graham Cooke, was the only private member-owned championship 18-hole facility in the Collingwood area.
With the escarpment as its backdrop and long vistas to Georgian Bay, this 12,500 ft² clubhouse provides members with a refined but casual facility for dining and gathering "apres golf". The facility includes locker rooms for 450, club storage area, pro shop, small commercial kitchen, and multi-functional dining/banquet space, bar, and deck areas.
Collingwood, Ontario
OslerBrook Golf Club
Hamilton Golf & Country Club
Hamilton Golf and Country Club retained +VG to design a comprehensive master plan and renovation of the existing historic clubhouse.
The original clubhouse was constructed circa 1924 and retained much of its original fabric. The project involved the redevelopment of the building to provide contemporary member and event space, including newly configured locker rooms for men and women, new kitchen facilities, new lounge and member restaurant areas, as well as a new addition to accommodate large member and external events (capacity for 210).
Hamilton, Ontario
Master Plan, Renovation & Addition
Cataraqui Golf & Country Club
The project involves an extensive renovation and a 3,000 ft² addition to the main floor of the existing clubhouse.
The existing clubhouse was constructed in the early 1970's and the main goal was to completely refit the golf lounge and locker facilities. The golf lounge includes full food and beverage service with a curling lounge, administration offices, and event spaces on the second floor.
Renovation of 7,400 ft² provides expanded locker rooms and associated washroom areas, including new larger lockers; towel and grooming stations; and increased shower facilities, including barrier-free accessible shower stalls in each locker area. The new golf lounge includes a curved bar, double-sided fireplace, and a variety of seating areas for both casual après-golf gatherings and more formal dining.
7,400 ft² (Renovation Area)
3,000 ft² (Addition)
Renovation & Addition
The Ventin Group Architects Ltd.
(+VG)