Churchill Meadows Community Center and Sports Park / MJMA
- area:
75000 square feet
Year:
2021
Maker: interface, airlock industries, Agway Metals Co., Ltd., all wood, Alfram, graduate, american built light, american aurelian, american standard, amstel, canadian precast, centura, certain teed, Doors and hardware throughout the city, conner sports, core slab structure , Daltile, delta, earth landscape, galaga,+29 -29-
-
-
-
-
-
Textual description provided by the architect. The project is located within a rapidly growing area of Mississauga, a suburban city west of Toronto, Canada. Transforming 50 acres of farmland into a richly textured park centered around a 75,000 square foot community center. The park connects to the existing multi-use trail system, making it a new destination within the network.
The community center’s simple yet dynamic shape signals its purpose as a neighborhood landmark for social gatherings and healthy activities. A dramatic canopy running along the west and south facades visualizes the building’s mass timber construction. This is an array of glulam columns that wrap around the gym, lobby and pool, providing the structural and curtain wall framework.
The structure is covered with expanded aluminum mesh, which protects the wood from the elements. This screen is integral to the overall design and daylight control strategy, and like a tree canopy, it filters sunlight and reduces solar heat gain. It passively reduces the building’s overall mechanical energy load and energy consumption while giving occupants a strong visual connection to the park.
Some community centers organize their interior spaces into two bars along the length of the building. There are changing rooms on the east side, and a teaching kitchen, multipurpose room, and fitness room on the upper level. A large bar on the west side houses his three gymnasiums and swimming hall with lap and leisure pools.
The park features an array of leisure and fitness spaces, including multiple soccer fields and basketball courts, set out on a landscape of rolling hills (made from excavated earth) and offering elevated seating for spectators . A measured trail loop circles the perimeter of the park, complete with fitness stations and interpretive signage highlighting the history of the area’s natural heritage. Together, the building and park form an important hub for leisure, sport and recreation.
By sequestering carbon and replacing carbon-intensive materials, mass timber strengthens biocompatible connections and supports sustainable construction. It performs better than steel in water and eliminates the need for extensive coatings. The innovative structure utilizes glulam columns with park views to immerse visitors in nature.
Energy efficiency is prioritized through strategic glazing, high performance windows, insulation and thermal bridging solutions. The quality of the indoor environment is improved through thoughtful lighting and occupancy sensors. On-site stormwater management includes infiltration galleries, vegetated channels, and detention ponds. Existing wetlands form the design, and excavated soil forms grassy hills. Dense plantings connect natural corridors and involve the community. Detailed surveys protect local ecosystems and nesting sites.