Excerpt: Strøm Spa Nordic Old Quebec, an architecture project by Lemay Michaud, evokes the harbor history of the site through volumes that alternate between full and empty. The waterfront site is divided by buildings, terraces, and basins to maximize views. It features thermal zones with unique sensory experiences linked together for a complete experiential journey. The combination of recesses and protrusions with various framings enhances contemplation.
Project Description
[Text as submitted by architect] Laid on the banks of the St. Lawrence, the project evokes the harbor history of the site. From the very beginning, the St. Lawrence River and the maritime heritage of the site have been central to the project’s design. The majesty and quiet strength emanating from the river, combined with the geographical location and the site’s maritime history—a major contributing factor to the city’s development—led to the decision to anchor the project in both its physical environment and its history. The layout of the installations, inspired by the footprint of the former harbour wharves, reflects the historical layers of the site, creating volumes that alternate between full and empty. This architectural ensemble is deposited on a site fractioned into levels descending towards the river, recalling the historical layers that form the memory of the place.
Designed to maximize views of the waterfront panorama, the site is divided perpendicular to the river by buildings, terraces, and basins. This fragmentation allows for the presentation of different thermal zones, each developed to offer unique sensory experiences, linked together to form a complete experiential journey. The spaces are designed and deployed to maximize access and views of the river. The ensemble of recesses and protrusions allows for a variety of framings that enhance the contemplation of the waterfront panorama.
The materiality of the buildings, both interior and exterior, through the use of materials such as greyish wood, black metal, and Corten steel, evokes port landscapes as well as maritime spirit and history. The simplicity of the volume’s layout allows them to blend into the horizontal landscape and secure their anchorage to the site. Viewed from Cap Blanc, the project continues the developments of Brown Basin and the future extension of the Samuel-De Champlain Parkway.
The interiors were designed using the same sources of inspiration as those used for the architecture, mixed with the existing aesthetics of the Strøm Spa brand. The colour palette is harmonious with the environment, and the materials used are natural, with some instances inspired by the river and maritime history of the site. For example, the reception desk made of Corten steel, reminiscent of cargo ships, was chosen for its warm, rusty aspect that creates an interesting contrast with the modern and clean lines of the space. The use of pebble stone on the floor of the entrance is also linked to the sea, evoking their traditional use as boat ballast.
By truly moulding itself to the site and using the best features of the location, the architectural design positions the elaborated spa programme to imprint on the historical profile of the site, i.e., the quays and harbour profile. The volumes were then opened and articulated in position on the different strata that mark the character of the site, on a slow descent towards the river, thereby favouring the views. The interior design, kept simple and clean, favours neutral colours and natural materials, echoing the same design principles and intents as those used in the architecture. The result is a space designed to serve the true purpose of the spa, prioritizing the wellbeing of the end-users.
The contemporary architectural style of the volume continues the aesthetic of the adjacent building made of glass and wood. The green roofs complete the project to match those of the neighbouring interpretation centre and blend with the site. Viewed from Cap Blanc, the project is seen as a continuation of the Brown Basin developments. Additionally, as the lot is located at the end of the Promenade portuaire du Foulon and the Promenade Samuel-de-Champlain, the contemporary architectural style has been favoured to harmonise with all neighbouring components.
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