Glenmore Sailing School

For more than 50 years, Glenmore Sailing School has been a launching point for young sailors, community recreation, and Calgarians learning to navigate the reservoir. By 2020's, its aging 1980s trailer had reached the end of its life. 

Water damage, limited space, and inaccessible washrooms were holding the program back, especially for participants in the Disabled Sailing Association. The City of Calgary knew it needed more than a simple replacement; it needed a space that truly reflected the spirit of the school.

We designed a warm, flexible, stand-alone building that opens itself to both the water and the park. A bright classroom with an operable glass wall connects indoor learning to the outdoors. New barrier-free washrooms and change rooms welcome all users with comfort and dignity. Exposed wood trusses, birch plywood interiors, polished concrete floors, and generous windows and skylights create a space that feels grounded in nature while remaining durable and easy to maintain.

Sensitive to its park setting, the building uses traditional wood framing and a sloping roof profile that fits naturally beside the original 1966 structure. Its multi-functional layout also supports community rentals, expanding the school’s role as a gathering place.

The result is a modernized, low-impact facility that strengthens accessibility, enhances the student experience, and preserves the natural character of South Glenmore Park—ensuring the next generation can learn, play, and explore on the water.