Under the Dune is my final undergraduate studio project at the University of Waterloo School of Architecture.

I was tasked with creating a “real building”, essentially trying to incorporate and plan for all of the systems and structure that would be present on an actual building project. The site for the project was on the Toronto Islands, a space that tends to experience yearly flooding, and we were given a multi-use program consisting of a pool complex, café, public meeting area, event hall, and a small residence.

My site strategy was to lower the overall site and use the extra material to raise pathways, creating a waffle like structure on the site. This would allow water to pool during flooding, and for the pathways to remain safe and accessible. A bridge forms a central path over the largest pool, connecting the axial entrance of the site to the base of the building.

On the Southern lake side of the site, I wanted to create a large sand dune, informed by my memories of camping in Pinery Provincial Park. Dunes are common on the shores of Lake Huron, but aren’t as present on Lake Ontario. The dune helps to create a wind break for the site during the winter months, and becomes an exciting structure of pathways and natural plantings to explore.

 

Parti Sketch

 
 

Site Plan, showing the general direction of wind and southern exposure.

 

Site Section

 

Site View: From the Wading Pool/Fountain to the Bridge

 

Site View: From the Bridge, looking toward the Dune

 

Site View: From the Cafe Entrance to the Bridge

 

The building itself is placed within the dune, using the mass of the earth as an additional insulating factor. However, this extra mass also poses a structural problem, and this informed my non-traditional building method. Utilizing steel profiles and panels, I imagined the structure of the building like the hull of a ship or submarine, keeping out the crushing pressure from above. Round shapes help to naturally strengthen this shell, and create a variety of spaces for visitors to explore.

Daylighting becomes difficult when a building is entirely buried. To combat this, I included many sections where the dune is held back by steel retaining walls, creating opportunities for skylights and interior courtyards that in certain instances also allow for glimpses in from visitors on the dune above.

 

Building Plan

 

Long Building Section

 

Short Building Section through Universal Changeroom and Pool

 

Interior View: The Lobby, with large rotating doors that create an open entrance during the Summer and an enclosed vestibule during the Winter

 

Interior View: The Secret Garden, the connecting path for the programs in the East side of the building

 

Interior View: The Pool, with a waterslide, diving platforms, and saunas

 

Event Space Section

 

Community Meeting Room and Sculpture Garden Section

 

I made a site model for the project that utilizes CNC machining and 3D printing, as well as recycled copper elements added by hand. This skeletal form of the structure that lies under the dune is probably my favourite representation of the project.

 

Plan Close-Ups