SID LEE ARCHITECTURE | Bota Bota

bota botaSpa on water

general information Contact us An overview conception architecturale location Sid Lee Architecture 358 de la Commune West, Quays of the Old Port of Montreal address 75, Queen Street, Suite 1500, client Montreal (Quebec) Daniel Émond H3C 2N6 Canada type Telephone Cultural and institutional 514-282-2200 Recycling and reconversion Website www.sidleearchitecture.com surface (scope) Total surface: 3150 m2 contacts Number of bridges: 5 Name Total Capacity: 250 clients + 50 employees Jean Pelland Telephone Number construction budget 514-282-6834 ext 554 10 000 000 $ E-mail jpelland@sidleearchitecture.com production July 2008 to November 2010 public relations Name occupation Marie-Eve Chaumont November 2010 Public Relations 514-282-2200 ext 482 E-mail mechaumont@sidlee.comBota Bota Bota Bota - 2 - - 3 -

Photo : © Stéphane BrüggerBota Bota Bota Bota - 4 - - 5 -

recycle Located at the foot of rue McGill in the Old Port rooms for actors. Following an epic christening of Montreal, Bota Bota is the new name given to at Bassin Louise in Quebec City in1967, L’Escale a ferryboat that used to link Sorel and Berthier in became the world’s first floating art center, the 1950s and that’s been renovated into a floating travelling around Quebec and leaving inspirationto reinvent Scandinavian spa. Built in 1951 and measuring 170 in the heart of visitors in its wake. feet and 600 tons, the Arthur Cardin plied the waters between these two cities for 10 years. At In 2008 our team was hired to create the Expo 67 in Montreal, it enjoyed a second life as a architectural designs for the Bota Bota floating floating art center thanks to Quebec’s ministère spa, providing a third incarnation for the formerProject description des Affaires culturelles. ferry. Now moored in Montreal’s Old Port after two years of construction work, the spa immerses Renamed L ’Escale, it included a theater, foyers visitors in a multisensory world directly inspired spread out along three floors, bars and a restaurant by the aquatic environment and the rich history on the bridges, cabins for staff, and dressing of the ship and her surroundings.

How the conversion came about Working with just the hull and main structure for spa locker rooms. The large main bridge, with of the old ferryboat, the project involved its series of rigid frames exactly 16 feet high, was transforming the vessel’s five bridges, or levels, able to accommodate an additional floor, where into a reception area, café, baths, saunas, massage treatment rooms, a reception area, café and two rooms, and plenty of space to kick back and relaxation lounges are located. Space on the relax. Technical and architectural challenges upper bridge was too cramped and confined to were numerous and complex, reflecting the be repurposed, so it was completely overhauled unprecedented nature of the project. to make room for a new structure housing baths, saunas, a hammam, relaxation spaces, and The plan for the 57-year-old vessel was especially outdoor decking. ambitious since its hull was damaged, and its tonnage insufficient to accommodate an The project envelope underwent a complete, extensive spa program. The ship was put in dry custom redesign that called for integrating over dock to repair and modify the hull, expanding 650 portholes throughout — directly on prefab its carrying capacity and buoyancy. The engines metal panels — to provide a textural mix. With were also removed to free up space in the hold that, the ship was ready to take on a new life.Bota Bota Bota Bota - 10 - - 11 -

The ship, thoughpermanently dockedat the Old Port,seems to be floatingin the timeless spaceof the river.This sense of infinity permeates the ship’s interior,creating a world of materiality, ambiance, space, andcolor. Moving through these spaces inspired by thesea becomes a journey of discovery for the senses. Itprovides a temporary escape from the outside world,from time, the city, and the hustle-bustle of daily life.These spaces provide a respite for the mind and bodythrough a new architectural language whose forms andtextures reinterpret the maritime world. Bota Bota Bota Bota - 12 - - 13 -

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The contrast is sosharp that it inspiresyou to embark ona contemplativejourney.The relaxation and treatment spaces are almost entirelyblack or very dark grey. At first glance, this concept may seemsomewhat heavy, differing radically from the traditionallook of a spa, but the contrast is so sharp that it inspires youto embark on a contemplative journey. Clients entering atreatment room discover dark walls, low ceilings, an imposingsilence, and views filtered through several portholes. Theycan’t help but feel they’re in a waking dream. As a result, thedécor melts away, leaving nothing but the experience itself.In addition, each treatment room features some twentyportholes that provide spectacular chiaroscuro views of theold port and the city. Clients can also choose to open theseportholes slightly to let in some of the marine sounds fromthe surrounding environment.

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Water is at the verycore of the project.The contact between the boat and the water is felt on every levelthrough a gradual adjustment from somber to airy and from thedark depths of the ocean to the dazzling skies of an open horizon.The lowest and darkest level creates a feeling of submersion.As you climb upwards to the deck, the ambiance becomesincreasingly bright as the sky is unveiled and a breathtakingpanorama opens up.

“Our team developed an architecturalprogram designed to recreate an environmentreminiscent of an ocean liner voyage, eventhough the ship would remain at dock,contemplating the gorgeous Montrealskyline and the river”- Jean PellandThis idea of a maiden voyage comes to life as visitorscross over Quai des éclusiers and the train bridgeand enter the classic style garden, which stands instark contrast to the industrial landscape. Fromthis plateau, the promenade leads to the receptionbarge, which is both a point of entry and a technicalplatform housing the mechanical systems andexit stairs. Visitors then transition into a worldof atmosphere and composition as they leave theentrance and go from the somber lighting of thehold to the bright upper decks on a stairway shapedlike a ship’s bow—the backbone of the project.This stairway provides a window onto the marineenvironment as well as breathtaking views of thecity, the river, and the silos.

Multidisciplinary The uniqueness and synergy of the project are due to the very fact that many fields of expertise came together at Bota Bota, under our creative team’s leadership. The project represents a a rigid conceptual framework in order to respect notions of stability and buoyancy. Everything had to be precisely designed and calculated: the location of each space, the selection of materials,challenges fusion of disciplines: building architecture, naval and the integration of services. architecture, interior design, industrial design, as well as building and naval engineering. The synergy and innovative character that distinguished this architectural project also This mingling of multiple disciplines in this differentiate the spa from its traditionalSynergy of the project ambitious project was necessary to tackle the counterparts. The team of Sid Lee Architecture technical and technological challenges, such is proud to see this industrial vessel moored at the as integrating structures that are usually found Quays of the Old Port in Montreal. on solid ground. Naval architecture required

The biggestconstraint on theproject was itsvery nature, thatof a floating steelstructure.The judicious use of lightweight materials thusbecame an integral part of the architecturalprogram. For instance, the initial desire to havewood lockers in the changing rooms was quicklyjettisoned in favor of narrow-gauge steel, due toweight considerations. So the big challenge was howto uphold our architectural vision and approachdespite numerous constraints. The solution wasto remain true to the original “floating project” byadapting existing products and making innovativechoices when it came to techniques and materials.

logo and fontstationery The visual identity of the boat The relaxation and treatment spaces are almost in a waking dream. As a result, the décor melts entirely black or very dark grey. At first glance, away, leaving nothing but the experience itself. this concept may seem somewhat heavy, differing In addition, each treatment room features radically from the traditional look of a spa, but the some twenty portholes that provide spectacularweb site contrast is so sharp that it inspires you to embark chiaroscuro views of the old port and the city. on a contemplative journey. Clients entering a Clients can also choose to open these portholes treatment room discover dark walls, low ceilings, slightly to let in some of the marine sounds from an imposing silence, and views filtered through the surrounding environment. several portholes. They can’t help but feel they’resignage Bota Bota Bota Bota - 44 - - 45 -

Photo : © Stéphane Brügger

architectural plans In summary: surface areaand elevations Total surface area: 22 125 sq.ft Main bridge: 5869 sq.ft Middle bridge: 5030 sq.ft Promenade bridge: 2952 sq.ft. indoors, 2898 sq.ft. outdoorsTechnical aspects of project Sun bridge: 612 sq.ft. indoors, 1775 sq.ft. outdoors scale Boat Length: 171 ft. Boat Width: 40 ft. Barge Length: 80 ft. Barge Width: 30 ft. capacities Total: 250 guests + 50 employees Sun sauna: 35 people City sauna: 25 people Steam bath (hammam): 15 people Multiform pool: 35 people Round pool: 15 people quantities Small portholes: 670 portholes Small portholes portside (river side): 285 portholes Small portholes starboard side (dock side): 385 portholes Large portholes: 6 Single treatment rooms: 8 Double treatment rooms: 2 Men’s lockers: 96 Women’s lockers: 142

graminaceous garden architecte + architect adresse de larchitecte + architect address projet + project adresse du projet + project address client adresse du client + client address no dessin + drawing id 75 RUE QUEEN_#1400_MONTRÉAL_QC_H3C 2N6_T.514.282.6834_F.514.282.0499 358 DE LA COMMUNE_MONTRÉAL_QC 358 DE LA COMMUNE_MONTRÉAL_QC_MONTRÉAL_QC BOTA BOTA_SPA SUR L’EAU DANIEL ÉMOND PLAN SITEsite planaddress: 358 de la Commune West, Quays of the Old Port of Montreal Bota Bota Bota Bota - 50 - - 51 -

multiform cold city steam round pool showers sauna bath pool (hamam) bota treatment main portholes chic rooms entrance room architecte + architect adresse de larchitecte + architect address projet + project adresse du projet + project address client adresse du client + client address no dessin + drawing id 75 RUE QUEEN_#1400_MONTRÉAL_QC_H3C 2N6_T.514.282.6834_F.514.282.0499 358 DE LA COMMUNE_MONTRÉAL_QC 358 DE LA COMMUNE_MONTRÉAL_QC_MONTRÉAL_QC 3/32’’=1’-0’’ BOTA BOTA_SPA SUR L’EAU DANIEL ÉMOND ÉLÉVATION BABORDport elevationnumber of bridges: 5total number of small portholes: 670number of small portholes portside (river side): 285number of small portholes starboard side (dock side): 385 Bota Bota Bota Bota - 52 - - 53 -

round city river cold multiform pool sauna sauna showers pool portholes exit treatment bota room deck bistro rooms chic architecte + architect adresse de larchitecte + architect address projet + project adresse du projet + project address client adresse du client + client address no dessin + drawing id 75 RUE QUEEN_#1400_MONTRÉAL_QC_H3C 2N6_T.514.282.6834_F.514.282.0499 358 DE LA COMMUNE_MONTRÉAL_QC 358 DE LA COMMUNE_MONTRÉAL_QC_MONTRÉAL_QC 3/32’’=1’-0’’ BOTA BOTA_SPA SUR L’EAU DANIEL ÉMOND ÉLÉVATION TRIBORDstarboard elevationnumber of bridges: 5total number of small portholes: 670number of small portholes portside (river side): 285number of small portholes starboard side (dock side): 385 Bota Bota Bota Bota - 54 - - 55 -

architecte + architect adresse de larchitecte + architect address projet + project adresse du projet + project address client adresse du client + client address no dessin + drawing id75 RUE QUEEN_#1400_MONTRÉAL_QC_H3C 2N6_T.514.282.6834_F.514.282.0499 358 DE LA COMMUNE_MONTRÉAL_QC 358 DE LA COMMUNE_MONTRÉAL_QC_MONTRÉAL_QC 3/32’’=1’-0’’ BOTA BOTA_SPA SUR L’EAU DANIEL ÉMOND PONT CALEhold bridgeLocker rooms, Lockers, showers, bathroomssurface area: 2989 sq.ft.number of men’s lockers: 96number of women’s lockers: 142 Bota Bota Bota Bota - 56 - - 57 -

architecte + architect adresse de larchitecte + architect address projet + project adresse du projet + project address client adresse du client + client address no dessin + drawing id 75 RUE QUEEN_#1400_MONTRÉAL_QC_H3C 2N6_T.514.282.6834_F.514.282.0499 358 DE LA COMMUNE_MONTRÉAL_QC 358 DE LA COMMUNE_MONTRÉAL_QC_MONTRÉAL_QC 3/32’’=1’-0’’ BOTA BOTA_SPA SUR L’EAU DANIEL ÉMOND PONT PRINCIPALmain bridgebIstro, treatment rooms, bota chIc, receptIon, boutIquesurface area: 5030 sq.ft.number of single treatment rooms: 8number of double treatment rooms: 2 Bota Bota Bota Bota - 58 - - 59 -

architecte + architect adresse de larchitecte + architect address projet + project adresse du projet + project address client adresse du client + client address no dessin + drawing id75 RUE QUEEN_#1400_MONTRÉAL_QC_H3C 2N6_T.514.282.6834_F.514.282.0499 358 DE LA COMMUNE_MONTRÉAL_QC 358 DE LA COMMUNE_MONTRÉAL_QC_MONTRÉAL_QC 3/32’’=1’-0’’ BOTA BOTA_SPA SUR L’EAU DANIEL ÉMOND PONT INTERMÉDIAIREmiddle bridgeLarge porthoLes, studIos, treatment roomssurface area: 5869 sq.ft.number of large portholes: 6 Bota Bota Bota Bota - 60 - - 61 -

architecte + architect adresse de larchitecte + architect address projet + project adresse du projet + project address client adresse du client + client address no dessin + drawing id75 RUE QUEEN_#1400_MONTRÉAL_QC_H3C 2N6_T.514.282.6834_F.514.282.0499 358 DE LA COMMUNE_MONTRÉAL_QC 358 DE LA COMMUNE_MONTRÉAL_QC_MONTRÉAL_QC 3/32’’=1’-0’’ BOTA BOTA_SPA SUR L’EAU DANIEL ÉMOND PONT PROMENADEpromenade bridgerIver sauna, muLtIform pooL, steam bath, coLd bath, decks,showers, bathroomssurface area: 2952 sq.ft indoors, 2898 sq.ft. outdoorsriver sauna capacity: 25 peoplemultiform pool capacity: 30 peoplesteam bath capacity (hammam): 15 people Bota Bota Bota Bota - 62 - - 63 -

architecte + architect adresse de larchitecte + architect address projet + project adresse du projet + project address client adresse du client + client address no dessin + drawing id75 RUE QUEEN_#1400_MONTRÉAL_QC_H3C 2N6_T.514.282.6834_F.514.282.0499 358 DE LA COMMUNE_MONTRÉAL_QC 358 DE LA COMMUNE_MONTRÉAL_QC_MONTRÉAL_QC 3/32’’=1’-0’’ BOTA BOTA_SPA SUR L’EAU DANIEL ÉMOND PONT SOLEIL sun bridge cIty sauna, coLd bath, round pooL, decks surface area: 612 sq.ft. indoors, 1775 sq.ft. outdoors city sauna capacity: 35 people round pool capacity: 15 people Bota Bota Bota Bota - 64 - - 65 -

Geothermal loop The use of an open geothermal loop was one The idea of installing a closed geothermal loop example of the team’s innovative and highly below the surface of the water also proved to effective “pioneer mindset.” Heat pumps have little traction since it did not fit well with are frequently connected to a closed loop activities at the site, such as port dredging, of underground piping buried vertically (in passing ship traffic, and ice coming in contact conjunction with a well or water source) or, with the structure. less often, horizontally in conjunction with a geothermal field. Geothermal was a basic An open geothermal loop in a reservoir proved component of the spa’s energy system, but to be the solution. While this type of system installation represented uncharted territory presents technical challenges rarely faced by since, on one hand, the vessel had no footprint building designers and is extremely unusual in whatsoever and, on the other hand, drilling land-based construction, it is very common on a network of costly wells at the site—leased large ships. An open loop geothermal system property at Montreal’s Quays of the Old Port — was installed with the aid and expertise of the was ill-advised. project’s naval expert. This innovative solution may well be a first in the spa industry.Bota Bota Bota Bota - 66 - - 67 -

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