Carmen Corbasson exterior entry and aerobics. Photo credit: Scott Norsworthy Carmen Corbasson Community Centre, in the city of Mississauga, Ontario, has opened the doors to its newly renovated and expanded recreation facility which introduces a mass timber natatorium, fitness centre, aerobics studio, and an expanded lobby to the buildings existing arena and gymnasium complex.Diamond Schmitt has designed the centres 45,000 square-foot expansion with the aim to create a connection between the old and new through form and materiality. The work adds to a previous addition completed in 2000.Carmen Corbasson pool exterior. Photo credit: Scott NorsworthyLocated adjacent to a wooded area, the design aims to take advantage of its park-like setting to connect with the natural surroundings, creating a Pavilion in the Forest where the community can connect.Connecting with Cawthra Wood was the fundamental inspiration for this project. The solution was making a simple timber pavilion that allowed for an essential relation to the forest, said Diamond Schmitt principal Jarle Lovlin.Carmen Corbasson lobby. Photo credit: Scott NorsworthyThe original building organization is a staggered series of brick planes interrupted by moments of glazing aimed to maximize views and light.The overall massing of the new expansion is a two-storey rectangular prism. The design, visible from Cawthra Road, features a glazed opening at the southwest corner. The horizontality of the buildings composition is reinforced through a terracotta panel cladding system, which is strengthened by a similar ceramic frit pattern for the natatorium glazing.Carmen Corbasson aerobics. Photo credit: Scott NorsworthyCarmen Corbasson fitness. Photo credit: Scott NorsworthyFrom the lobby, visitors have views into the arena ahead, aquatics and fitness areas to the right, or the gym to the left, with new glazed openings creating clear wayfinding throughout. Above, the existing second storey path has been opened to overlook the main volume and extends east alongside the new block towards and aerobics studio and fitness room.Carmen Corbasson pool. Photo credit: Scott NorsworthyAt the heart of the renovation and expansion is the natatorium composed as a simple rectangular volume, and is defined by a mass timber structure which provides a light order within the space. Glulam columns placed at regular intervals along the east faade support glulam beams stretching east to west across the width of the room. A cross laminated timber roof deck sits on top of these beams, providing a variegated surface that helps to diffuse the acoustic resonance of the space.The surrounding glazing reflects the regularity of the structure, with mullions spaced at 1.5-meter increments. Clear glazing along the lower portion of the space at water level aim to make the relationship with the adjacent forest clear. It is surmounted by a more translucent level of diffuse glazing, which protects the room from direct sun to the south and west as well as glare.The post Renovation and expansion of Carmen Corbasson Community Centre opens appeared first on Canadian Architect.