BALNEA spa's latest concrete expansion in quebec recalls natural appalachian rocks

balnea spa’s latest thermal bath and relaxation room in quebec

BALNEA spa + réserve thermale opens a new concrete installation in the countryside of Bromont, Quebec, Canada, featuring a spacious infinity thermal bath and an inviting relaxation room. The project, designed to offer an even more immersive and revitalizing experience, was conceived by MacKay-Lyons Sweetapple Architects, who carefully integrated its cultural responsiveness to local landscapes, climate, and material culture. The thermal bath, with its 62 sqm area and capacity for over 25 people, frames a panoramic view of Lake Gale, creating a space conducive to deep contemplation. Meanwhile, the relaxation room invites guests to unwind and disconnect while sinking their feet into fine sand and an atmosphere reminiscent of a beach.

all images © Maxime Brouillet

MacKay-Lyons Sweetapple Architects echoes the Appalachians

The new installations for BALNEA spa + réserve thermale (see more here) references the surrounding natural environment through its materiality and form. Made of concrete, the volume of the spa emerges from the landscape, recalling the texture and natural rock of the Appalachians. The form creates a plinth to support the new thermal bath and expanded spa terraces. ‘The generous new thermal bath and spa terrace grounds the scheme within the landscape. The use of natural materials enhances the reading of the ‘spa in nature’ while offering a wide range of haptic user experiences,’ adds Brian MacKay-Lyons, Founding Partner of MacKay-Lyons Sweetapple Architects.

BALNEA Spa + réserve thermale opens a new installation in the countryside of Bromont, Quebec

eco-friendly expansion to celebrate 20th anniversary 

This grounded experience is met with an environmentally conscious approach, a vision shared by MacKay-Lyons Sweetapple Architects and the many partners involved. For example, the new terraces are warmed by recovering heat from the mechanical rooms, and the wastewater treatment system is moved away from sensitive areas. Additionally, the architects optimized the filtration system, tripling its treatment capacity while only doubling the size of the installations. Over 1,858 sqm of buildings will be preserved and renovated in the long term, maximizing resource use and material reuse.

made of concrete, the volume emerges from the landscape, recalling Appalachian rock

The BALNEA spa + réserve thermale installation marks the latest milestone in a significant eco-friendly expansion project initiated in April 2023 by BALNEA, supported financially by the Quebec Ministry of Tourism under the Tourism Industry Recovery Assistance Program (PARIT), to celebrate its 20th anniversary in October 2025. The work will continue this summer with the addition of extra changing rooms and with the expansion and upgrade of the Beatnik Hotel in the fall of 2024, doubling its number of rooms. While the hotel will remain partially open during the renovations, the official inauguration is scheduled for the summer of 2025. 

the project was conceived by MacKay-Lyons Sweetapple Architects

chooing a material selection that enhances the reading of the spa in nature

designing new spa terrace grounds overlooking the lake

the new terraces are warmed by recovering heat from the mechanical rooms

BALNEA Spa introduces a 62 sqm thermal bath with capacity for over 25 people

creating an even more immersive and revitalizing experience amid Quebec’s nature

project info:

location: Bromont, Québec, Canada

architecture: MacKay-Lyons Sweetapple Architects Ltd. | @mackaylyonssweetapple

client: BALNEA spa + réserve thermale | @balneaspa

design lead: Brian MacKay-Lyons
architect – project manager: Tyler Reynolds
project Team: Talbot Sweetapple, Paryse Beatty, Ryan DeWolde, Andrew Tomchyshyn,
Matthew MacKay-Lyons, Ryhland Taylor
ecological architecture: Étienne Lemay

contractor: Construction Maurice David & Filles

panoramic lift and slide & exterior door: Bachand & Bosquet

photographer: Maxime Brouillet | @maximebrouillet

completion date: June 2024