Golf Pavilion | DUBBELDAM Architecture + Design

Designed by Dubbeldam Architecture + Design as a strict geometric structure within a natural landscape, the pavilion comprises a 41sqm footprint tucked beneath an extended roof overhang that effectively doubles its usable space, drawing golfers in. The asymmetrical roof, weighted towards the back, imparts a directional motion toward the next hole. At the approach, a metal screen with angular bars is a nod to the clubs in a golfer’s bag and conceals the washroom doors.

The pavilion was designed as a functional 'folly in the park.' Its low-lying, horizontal roof stands as a beacon for golfers, while giving visual priority to the surrounding trees, pond, and rolling greenery. Primarily intended for brief periods of rest, the pavilion’s siting and landscaping focus attention back onto the course: the structure and outdoor seating are oriented to provide views over the fairway and adjacent irrigation pond. The patio surrounding the pavilion echoes the roof’s outline, with pavers laid in a herringbone pattern that emphasizes material craftsmanship, creating a spacious, covered outdoor area that can comfortably accommodate larger groups. Inside, self-serve refreshment counters support an efficient pace, ensuring golfers avoid delays as they continue their game.

The design and materials are utilitarian and robust, fulfilling their purpose while imparting a sense of character and playfulness. Warm wood, contrasted with metal and stone elements, evoke a refreshed yet classic aesthetic that aligns with the club’s overall architectural expression.

“Planted flowering vines will grow to climb up the metal screen at the east entry, adding another texture to the pavilion over time," says Dubbeldam Architecture + Design principal Heather Dubbeldam. "The screen’s vertical bars playfully reference the shape of golf clubs in a bag, while subtly concealing the washroom doors.”

Set against the forested course, the pavilion’s raw materials stand out prominently, allowing it to sit like a jewel within the landscape.

Since the pavilion is designed for seasonal use, typical HVAC systems were avoided, allowing the interior to connect more significantly with the exterior. Natural daylighting is maximized, and large operable windows facilitate cross-ventilation, further enhanced by ceiling fans for comfort—together reducing energy demands for lighting and climate control. Thermal insulation, air and vapor barriers, and conventional heating and cooling systems were omitted to suit its seasonal function, significantly lowering the pavilion’s carbon footprint. Instead of eavestroughs, rainwater flows off the roof into a river rock border around the structure, allowing it to permeate the ground and reduce runoff. The use of timber construction underscores a commitment to minimizing environmental impact.

The Ladies’ Golf Club of Toronto upholds a century-long legacy of being the only women’s golf club in North America. The Golf Pavilion is one of several new structures built on the course as part of a larger master plan and investment undertaken to build for the club’s future. Utilizing only a modest budget, the pavilion is the first contemporary building on the site, establishing a new legacy and injecting a feeling of rejuvenation into a historical club.

Photography: Scott Norsworthy (https://www.scottnorsworthy.com/)