Visitors to this spa in Quebec, which was designed by Canadian firm Lemay Michaud, can enjoy views of the Saint Lawrence River from its pools, waterfalls and hot tubs.

The local architecture studio designed Strøm Nordic Spa, or Strøm Spa Nordique, to reference the hues of Quebec's rugged landscape, which undergoes extreme freezes during the winter, as well as the grey hues of the nearby Saint Lawrence River.

It comprises four volumes that appear to protrude from the land at the front of the property, and then descend into terraced gardens and pools that offer river views at the rear.

Each volume is formed from stone, steel and glass to create a dark exterior that relates to the landscape of the surrounding two-acre (0.8-hectare) property.

"We aimed for a minimalist, pared-back and relatively monochromatic architectural style that blends harmoniously into its environment," said Lemay Michaud partner architect.

"The rectangular volumes of the various spaces are designed to complement existing natural landforms, superimposing and intersecting to create a multifaceted yet minimalistic architectural ensemble," he added.

Wood details are used throughout the  32,000-square-foot (2972-square-metre) spa, particularly in an outdoor lounge area and in the lobby. The natural material is intended to soften the overall design, and also relates to the prolific amount of timber indigenous to Canada.

"The use of wood finishes reminiscent of Quebec's winter landscapes, along with other raw materials like concrete and stone, is meant to evoke nature and the surrounding environment," said Mierski.

Strøm Nordic Spa comprises eight pools, as well as waterfalls, hot tubs, dry saunas and steam baths. It also features the largest flotation bath in North America, as well as a heated lazy river-style pool.

Other spaces are 17 massage rooms, a swimming pool, an infinity pool with a panoramic view of the river and a gastronomic bistro.

The spa is one of four Strøm Nordic Spa locations, in addition to three others in Quebec, at Nuns' Island, Mont-Saint-Hilaire and Sherbrooke.

The company's outposts are inspired by Scandinavian design, and all seek to draw attention to the similarities between Quebec's and northern Europe's landscapes. Both regions are strongly influenced by nature, the passing of the seasons, and the short supply of sunlight in winter.

Other spa designs include an English day spa, a Japanese-designed outpost in Israel, a Chinese resort by Kengo Kuma, a sauna in a Finish industrial building and a concrete spa in Sweden.

Photography is by Adrien Williams.

Project credits:

Designers: LemayMichaud; Érika Marcil, Project manager interior design, Strøm Nordic Spa
Project manager: Joël-Simon Gélinas, Director of Construction and Development, Strøm Nordic Spa
Collaborators: L'Intendant; Ambioner; Terralpha; Cima+; Soucy Aquatik