WinSport Day Lodge

Initially built for the 1988 Olympics, the WinSport Day Lodge holds a cherished legacy for Calgarians. With a design that nests into the slopes above, the current renovation and expansion project aims to transform the facility into a Net-Zero building, setting a new benchmark for sustainability and inclusiveness while re-establishing its relevance for the next 50 years.

The renovation focuses primarily on enhancing user experience and operational efficiency. As a high-use facility with specific needs for parking, building access, and circulation, GGA worked closely with WinSport and community partners to garner the complete perspectives necessary to develop a project with such assorted functions.

To this end, a new mass timber addition now houses the rental shop, which has been relocated to access snow-adjacent areas to simplify the rental processes directly. Additionally, the second-floor cafeteria has been expanded, creating an invited space that offers panoramic views of the hill while enjoying a meal. Food service spaces now encourage more extended visits, creating a comfortable and welcoming environment where families, friends, and individuals can relax, recharge, and connect.

The expanded social spaces now accommodate the inherent need for users to enter and exit the building frequently. With no defined back door, the design thoughtfully engages with the landscape from every angle, ensuring a cohesive, welcoming environment that readily serves a diverse set of end-user behaviours. This approach allows for seamless movement between indoor and outdoor spaces, enhancing accessibility and user experience while integrating multiple natural sightlines.

The renovation and expansion of the WinSport Day Lodge facilities aim to improve the recreational capacity and satisfaction of the existing building, helping to cement and expand upon its substantial legacy. Upon completion, this project will elevate WinSport by offering a seamless, user-centred experience that aligns with modern standards of accessibility and sustainability.