Labrador City Community Centre

This project proposes a landmark community hub that integrates with the comprehensive trail network developed as part of the Labrador West Parks and Trails Master Plan. The multi-purpose facility is situated at the head of Tanya Lake and is designed to be inclusive and fully accessible. 

Addressing a challenging site — bound by a lake and steep topography — was critical for the success of this project. The solution is a building nestled into the hillside that opens toward views of the lake. It responds to the site by protecting the exterior spaces from the prevailing winds and significant annual snowfall.

The design language references Labrador City’s history as a mining town. The act of carving away the earth to create value is a powerful image that has been used design metaphor throughout the project. The exterior form is characterized by large cuts into the building that reveal interior public areas, playing between opaque walls and semi-transparent glazing. Inside is a sculpted wooden interior that undulates between intimate reading nooks, library shelving, play areas, and gathering spaces.

Project Team

Matt C Reynolds (Project Lead), Iliah Lorenz-Luca (Project Architect), Vince Leung (Design), Ben Cottrill (Design), and Sarah MacLean (Landscape Architect).  Firm of Record: Fathom Studio.