Along the Banks of the Saint Lawrence River: A Tribute to the Port’s History
From the initial exploration and development stages, the design inspiration for this project drew heavily from the Saint Lawrence River and its serene, powerful presence. Given the site’s geographical context and the city’s rich maritime history—which played a crucial role in its development—the project was conceived to maintain a strong connection to both the physical environment and its historical significance.
The building’s layout reflects the influence of the old port docks that once lined the riverbanks, creating a dynamic spatial interplay between solid and void. The structure is strategically placed on the site, which is divided into multiple levels extending toward the river, continually evoking the rich historical narrative embedded in this location.
▲ General Layout Plan
Design Focused on Maximizing Panoramic River Views
The site is segmented perpendicular to the river by buildings, terraces, and pools. This division creates distinct hot spring areas, each offering a unique sensory experience, while remaining interconnected to form a cohesive journey. The spatial layout is purposefully designed to optimize river views, with a play of recessed and protruding elements that enrich the waterfront’s panoramic vistas.
The materials selected for both the interior and exterior reflect the port’s atmosphere and the river’s spirit and history. Elements such as gray wood, black metal, and weather-resistant steel create a simple yet striking architectural volume that harmonizes with the landscape horizontally, integrating the building seamlessly within the site. From the viewpoint of Cap Blanc, this project serves as an extension of the Brown Basin development and anticipates the future expansion of the Samuel De Champlain Parkway.
Project Drawings
▲ Plan View
▲ Elevation View
▲ Sectional View
▲ Conceptual Analysis Diagram
Project Information
Project Type: Spa Facilities
Location: Quebec, Canada
Architectural Design: LEMAYMICHAUD Architecture Design
Year: 2018
Photographer: Adrien Williams
Manufacturers: Juste Du Pin, Trimble, Adobe, Autodesk, Mac, Equitone
Design Team: Pierre Mierski (Partner Architect), Katrine Beaudry (Designer – Partner), Alexi Lemay (Partner Architect), Jonathan Pelletier (Architect, Project Manager), Marie-Eve de Chantal (Architect, Design Lead), Christopher Storrar (Designer), Philippe Gagnon (Architectural Technologist), Nicolas Thériault (Architectural Technologist), Sandra Desrochers (Architectural Technologist), Bianca Beaumont (Architectural Technologist)
Client: Str ø m Spa Nordique
Engineers: Ambioner; Cima+
Landscape Design: Terralpha
Consultant: Soucy Aquatik
General Contractor: L’Intendant
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