Islington Gymnasium
Etobicoke, Canada
2023-2024
Etobicoke, (ON) Canada
2023
Toronto, (ON) Canada
Client: Toronto Community Housing
Project start: 2023
Status: Completed, 2024
Gross floor area: 500m²
Architect: AXIA Design Associates
Project team: Chris Wong, Taymoore Balbaa, Michael Good, Leisdania Reynoso, Justine Houseley
Structural engineer: Moses Structural Engineers
MEP engineer: HJ Consulting Engineering,
Ultimate Design Engineering
Abandoned in a state of disrepair for many years, this gymnasium beneath a tall residential tower suffered from significant waterproofing issues and was not up to code. The client, Toronto Community Housing, asked AXIA to remedy the problem and breathe new life into this unused facility. In addition to a host of repairs and upgrades, a reassessment and reconfiguration of the site’s programmatic functions were at the forefront of this project.
The design takes space from what was an underutilized changeroom to win much needed square footage for a multipurpose room, where a variety of communal events and classes can be held to appeal to the building’s diverse residents, ranging from youths to seniors. To maximize the space’s versatility, wood surfaces, wood acoustic paneling and softer, atmospheric lighting have been employed to make both the multi-purpose room and larger gymnasium welcoming for activities that extend beyond athletics. The warm, calming colour palette is intended to help the gym be seen as a place of refuge, not only for the building’s residents, but also for the wider population when during heatwaves it may be turned into a cooling centre.
Individual stalls with their own change spaces and a universal washroom have been added for accessibility and inclusivity. Corridors have been widened to facilitate ease of access for wheelchairs. All floors have been replaced with high pressure, rubberized flooring intended for durability. The facility has in general been modernized, with notable upgrades made to the mechanical, plumbing and acoustical systems. While keeping the original brick façade intact, a completely new roof and remediated laminated slabs will address the building’s moisture protection issues. Community murals in the corridors and staircases are envisioned as a means for residents to come together and participate in the creation of shared art that reflects their collective identities, dreams and aspirations.