Golf Pavilion Thornhill Toronto, Ontario interior design Canada, Canadian architecture photos

Golf Pavilion in Thornhill, Toronto

November 11, 2025

Design: Dubbeldam Architecture + Design

Location: Thornhill, Regional Municipality of York, north Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Photos: Scott Norsworthy

Thornhill Golf Pavilion, Toronto Ontario

The Golf Pavilion at the Ladies’ Golf Club of Toronto in Thornhill, Ontario, situated at the halfway point of the golf course, serves as a rest stop offering amenities such as snacks, beverages, and washroom facilities.

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.

Thornhill Golf Pavilion in Toronto, Canada – Building Information

Architecture / Interiors: Dubbeldam Architecture + Design – https://dubbeldam.ca/

Location: Thornhill, Ontario, Canada
Size: 440 s.f. – 41 sqm
Completion: 2024

Photography: Scott Norsworthy

General Contractor: mform Construction Group
Structural Engineer: Honeycomb Engineering Group

About Dubbeldam Architecture + Design
Dubbeldam Architecture + Design is a multi-disciplinary design studio committed to creating thoughtful projects that embody sustainable approaches. With a diverse portfolio incorporating a wide variety of project types, their work ranges from homes, multi-unit residential projects, workspaces, hospitality, and mixed-use buildings, to landscape design and architectural installations.

Along with over 100 design awards and wide recognition in national and international publications, Dubbeldam is the recipient of the Canada Council for the Arts Professional Prix de Rome and the 2024 Architectural Practice Award from the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada, two of the highest honours for architectural practices in Canada.

With a commitment to design excellence and a focus on sustainability and wellness in architecture, Dubbeldam is recognized for creating innovative, unique, and environmentally responsible design solutions for live, work, and play.