Strøm is the name of a relatively young Canadian SPA chain that currently has four locations. Evoking both the force and the tranquility of water, the Scandinavian word “strøm” designates a current and, figuratively, water’s incredible strength, constant movement and energy, as well as its serenity. Strøm communicates the mighty power of water, whose essence, once channeled, profoundly nourishes and transforms, and it conveys a source of purity that regenerates inner balance and harmony.

Strøm’s identity bases itself on two characteristics which were implemented since its beginnings and remain the source of its distinctness: nature and architecture. The simple and elegant design, in fact, breathes comfort and beauty into the spaces, the straight lines and intuitive circuits were carefully crafted to ease the regeneration of the body and mind through the union of one’s inner.

The latest addition to the Strøm company is Vieux-Quebec, located on the banks of the St. Lawrence, the main Canadian river, it evokes the harbor history of the location. Right from the examining and development phase of the project, the very first source of inspiration was the River, the magnificence and silent strength that emanates from it. Then, considering the geographical position and the maritime tradition and history attached to the site, the latter a major contributing reason to the development of the town itself, the choice to anchor the project in both its physical environment and its history was taken without question.

Henceforward, the plan of the installations is inspired by the footprint of the old port docks that once formed the banks at the shorefront, creating volumes alternating between full and empty. This architectural ensemble is then placed on a site divided into levels sliding towards the river, evoking the historical layers that form the memory of the place. Conceived to exploit views on the waterfront panorama, the site is divided perpendicular to the river by buildings, terraces, and basins. This division consents the exhibition of several thermal zones, each thought to provide unique sensory spaces, related by a broad experiential journey. These spaces are designed and organized to make the most of access and sight of the river. The ensemble of recesses and protrusions allows for a diversity of framings that increase the contemplation of the waterfront panorama.

The materiality of the buildings, both interior, and exterior, through the use of materials such as greyish wood, black metal, and Corten steel, evokes port landscapes as well as maritime spirit and history. The simplicity of the layout of the volumes makes them blend as part of the horizontal landscape and allows their anchorage to the site. Viewed from Cap Blanc, the project is a continuation of the Brown Basin developments and the future extension of the Samuel-De Champlain Parkway.