Spa Balnea - Nature for Wellness

Information: Courtesy the architects

Photography: Steve Montpetit; courtesy the architects

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Spa Balnea’s new building - the Balnea Pavillion des abres - in the heart of the Eastern Township of Montreal in Canada reinvents the art of living by creating a stunning experience for all the senses.  

Designed by Alexandre Blouin and Jean Tardif of Blouin Tardif Architecture-Environment, the building is perched on a mountainside and overlooks a nature reserve of breathtaking beauty. Constructed on piles, the building nestles unobtrusively in the forest, where it is the hub, linking the facility’s existing buildings via outdoor walkways. The resulting new walking routes give clients a more private path through the site. 

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The decision to build the structure from steel made it possible to work with the natural topography, resulting in a very durable, streamlined structure with a more natural profile. Special attention was paid to preserving trees and the natural surroundings. The building thus conveys a sense of lightness under its large wooden volume, making the modular structure seem as though it was gently set down amidst the trees.

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The windows, designed to frame views of the forest landscape, also take advantage of a southern exposure to maximize passive solar heating. The new building maintains continuity with the older buildings through the use of the same materials (wood siding; windows and building envelope). The steps outside the entrance, reminiscent of a parvis, serve as both an entranceway and a waiting area for events. In addition to the reception area, Pavillon des arbres includes a gift shop, offices and a lounge. The other spa pavilions, devoid of noise inducing activities, provide environments conducive to relaxation.

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Coming from the stables of Blouin Tardif Architecture-Environment, the health and wellness project’s built form lives up to its mission statement of delivering holistic quality lifestyles.