{"id":3493,"date":"2024-10-27T17:00:14","date_gmt":"2024-10-27T18:00:14","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/coinpop.me\/?p=3493"},"modified":"2024-10-28T11:43:56","modified_gmt":"2024-10-28T11:43:56","slug":"mackay-lyons-sweetapple-architects-adds-concrete-extension-to-quebec-spa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/coinpop.me\/index.php\/2024\/10\/27\/mackay-lyons-sweetapple-architects-adds-concrete-extension-to-quebec-spa\/","title":{"rendered":"MacKay-Lyons Sweetapple Architects adds concrete extension to Quebec spa"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Balnea<\/div>\n

Canadian studio MacKay-Lyons Sweetapple Architects<\/a> has expanded a thermal spa<\/a> and baths complex in Quebec<\/a>, adding a concrete plinth that houses an outdoor swimming pool and a hidden relaxation room.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Balnea Spa and Thermal Reserve<\/a> is tucked away close to the ski town of Bromont in the Appalachian Mountains, southeast of Montreal and north of Vermont, USA.<\/p>\n

\"Swimming
Balnea Spa’s new concrete volume extends the sun terrace and creates a swimming pool on its roof<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As part of a significant expansion project initiated in spring 2023, MacKay-Lyons Sweetapple Architects<\/a> has added several facilities within a concrete volume that faces the spa’s picturesque view of Lake Gale.<\/p>\n

“The generous new thermal bath and spa terrace grounds the scheme within the landscape,” said studio co-founder Brian MacKay-Lyons, who led the design team on the project.<\/p>\n

\"Infinity
The pool is designed to have an infinite edge, with a view of Lake Gale beyond<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

“The use of natural materials enhances the reading of the ‘spa in nature’ while offering a wide range of haptic user experiences,” he added.<\/p>\n

The new plinth extends a gently stepped terrace with levels populated by seats and loungers facing the lake and mountains beyond.<\/p>\n

\"Swimming
Wildflower beds add hints of colour and Corten steel sunshades cast shadows between the decked and paved areas<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Between areas of timber decking and flagstone paths, wildflower beds add hints of colour and Corten steel sunshades cast shadows.<\/p>\n

At the end of the terrace, the new concrete volume juts out so that the water contained within it acts as an infinity pool.<\/p>\n

\"A
A relaxation room below the pool is enveloped in a curvilinear wood volume<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

“The project references the surrounding natural environment through its materiality and form,” said the studio. “The concrete volume of the spa emerges from the landscape, referencing the texture and natural rock of the Appalachians.”<\/p>\n

The heated U-shaped pool can be accessed via steps down from both sides, and a submerged bench is provided for swimmers to sit and take in the view.<\/p>\n

\"Wood-lined
Wood-lined changing facilities are also housed within the new volume<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

On one side of the structure, a section cut out of the concrete wall is filled in with glass \u2013 allowing a view of the lake from underwater.<\/p>\n

Below the pool is a relaxation room, enveloped in a curvilinear wood volume that swoops down from the ceiling and folds to form tiered benches.<\/p>\n