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 la...