Cavan Monaghan Community Centre 

The Cavan Monaghan Community Centre is a new recreational and social hub for the town of Millbrook. Set in a landscape of rolling glacial drumlins, the building is adjacent to the Town Hall. Together, the two buildings form a civic suite overlooking an intimate playground on a gentle incline. 

The program is organized around an NHL-size ice rink with six team changerooms, referees’ rooms and one flex changeroom. A lofty social heart spans the building from east to west. It is transparent throughout, visually connecting the arena to the fitness studio and community hall. Both of these spaces face north to overlook the playground through full-height glazing. Diversity of spectator experience is a key factor in the community center’s plan. Rinkside seating, an upper-level standing room and viewing deck, and warm viewing at the lobby level all overlook the rink. The running track has continuous perimeter views to the surrounding landscape. 

The complex is Illuminated by daylight in all its principal spaces. A translucent insulated clerestory makes it possible to use the rink without artificial lighting. Other sustainability efforts include the use of translucent wall systems instead of glass for improved R-value, a high-albedo roof ready for a future PV array, and heat recovery from the ice-pad chiller for use in radiant flooring in the spectator areas and changerooms, the preheating of domestic water, and snow-melting sidewalks at the entrance. 

Throughout the facility, interiors are finished in black, white and the Township’s signature green, with touches of wood to soften the modern aesthetic and create warm, inviting moments for gathering.

ARCHITECT OF RECORD

MJMA Architecture & Design

Toronto, Ont.

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