Parks Canada’s programme included requirements for a three-season washroom, shower and change facility that would be accessible for beach goers as well as a four-season washroom that would serve winter campers and cross-country skiers.

The single roof structure covers the seasonal change/shower rooms, the four-season washrooms, and extends further to create a canopy for a picnic area. The program is reflected on the exterior of the building by pushing and pulling the building elements to define spaces, entry points and create a natural sense of wayfinding. As users enter the washroom facilities under the low exterior soffit, the interior space opens up to an expansive open ceiling with skylights filling the room with natural light.

The minimal material palette is comprised of glazed concrete masonry units, thermally treated wood cladding and a translucent channel glass system. The black masonry provides a sharp contrast to the sand, water, and natural surroundings, while grounding the building. The wood cladding, soffit and deck boards recall the traditional boardwalk found within the park and common to beach waterfronts across Canada. The translucent channel glass system in the changerooms provides natural day light to the interior while obscuring views from the exterior.

The palette of interior finishes is modest and understated consisting of concrete block, plywood, and large format ceramic tile. A variety of playful interactive infographics are distributed throughout the site and building to engage beach goers on the vast array of local wildlife that make their home along the lakes shore.