MUSKOKA AIRPORT EXPANSION

Muskoka is in the heart of central Ontario’s cottage country. Famous for its majestic forests, rugged terrain, massive granite outcroppings and pristine fresh water lakes, this area has been a recreational paradise for over 100 years. At the heart of this region is the Town of Bracebridge with a small local airport that has seen an increasing demand for direct international flights using small to mid-size aircraft. In response, a design-build competition was held for the expansion of the existing airport with a new international terminal meeting all the requirements for International flights including customs processing and baggage handling.

3stones saw this as an opportunity to make the arrival in Muskoka a special, energizing and welcoming experience. To achieve this, the new terminal is separate from the existing terminal, linked with a timber frame exterior covered walkway that provides an inviting and protected circulation connection. Separation of the terminals also allows for a redefined landscaped entrance to the entire terminal area. The negative spaces between the buildings become opportunities for landscaping, exterior lounges and service corridors.

The form and execution of the new terminal design drew on the same timber frame cues of the local vernacular creating a sympathetic relationship with the existing airport. The new terminal is composed of two distinct blocks. A lower flat roofed portion contains the administrative, baggage handling and customs processing areas. The main waiting lounge has a sloped timber frame roof and glass walls providing expansive western views of the runways, forest areas beyond and spectacular sunsets.