Montreal's Griffintown district is now home to the Recess Thermal Station, a new bathhouse designed by Future Simple Studio. This wellness destination, developed by the brand Recess in partnership with Aesop, offers a unique 75-minute communal sauna and hydrotherapy circuit, providing a distinct experience for visitors seeking relaxation and revitalization.
Key Takeaways
- Recess Thermal Station is a new bathhouse in Montreal's Griffintown.
- Future Simple Studio designed the facility with a minimalist aesthetic.
- It features a 75-minute hot-cold hydrotherapy circuit.
- Aesop provides products and amenities, enhancing the luxury experience.
- The bathhouse includes a circular sauna and a blue-toned cold plunge pool.
A New Approach to Urban Wellness
The Recess Thermal Station redefines urban wellness by integrating a structured hot and cold circuit within an industrial setting. Future Simple Studio has crafted a space that guides visitors through various zones, each designed to support circulation and promote a sense of calm. The design uses material changes, lighting, and sound to subtly direct movement and attention.
Upon arrival, guests encounter a deliberately restrained entry sequence. A cold-rolled steel counter, positioned beside a lower wash basin, invites immediate interaction with water and metal, setting a tranquil tone. This initial cleansing ritual uses Aesop formulations, emphasizing a curated experience from the very start.
Design Fact
The entry features an aluminum lattice holding glass blocks, vertically framing the Recess logo. This lattice extends across the ceiling, creating a continuous visual element that hints at both clinical precision and the reflective quality of water.
Transitioning from City to Sanctuary
A gently ramped tunnel leads visitors from the reception area deeper into the bathhouse. Dappled lighting on the walls and ceiling creates a moving pattern, reminiscent of water reflections, without causing distraction. This passage serves as a measured transition, helping guests shed the pace of the city and focus inward.
The ramp leads directly to all-gender locker rooms. Here, the minimalist aesthetic continues with slate floors providing a solid foundation, metal locker fronts offering durability and a serene appearance, and open wood shelving adding a touch of warmth. The tight detailing ensures that the materials themselves convey the desired atmosphere of calm and simplicity.
The Core Hydrotherapy Experience
Beyond the locker rooms, a quiet waiting area provides a pause point before the main circuit. Marble slab seating lines plaster walls, illuminated by sconces from Bocci, which cast a gentle glow. This space is designed for rest and recovery between the more intense hot and cold cycles, balancing exposure with moments of tranquility.
The heart of the Recess Thermal Station is its circular sauna. The heat source is centrally located within a cylindrical drum filled with coals, around which tiered slatted wood seating is arranged. Light filters in from behind the benches and through an oculus above the drum, creating a warm, diffused ambiance that promotes a shared experience among bathers.
"The design intentionally reframes cold immersion as a collective, rather than solitary, act," explains a representative from Future Simple Studio. "The scale and illumination of the cold plunge enhance awareness of temperature and movement, fostering brief exchanges among guests."
The Cold Plunge and Beyond
A sharp tonal shift marks the transition to the cold plunge area. Here, a blue-lit pool accommodates up to twelve people, transforming the typically solitary act of cold immersion into a communal event. The distinct blue lighting and larger scale heighten the senses, encouraging interaction as bodies adjust to the temperature change.
Wellness Circuit Benefits
Hydrotherapy, especially the hot-cold circuit, is known for its benefits, including improved circulation, muscle relaxation, detoxification, and stress reduction. The deliberate sequence at Recess Thermal Station aims to maximize these physiological advantages.
Frosted glass panels separate the cold plunge from a tiled lounge area, which is also used for various programming. Short flights of steps connect this space to both the hot and cold zones, reinforcing the idea of a continuous loop for the hydrotherapy circuit. A curtained back wall in this lounge can be used for projections during special events.
Extending the Bathhouse Experience
The Recess Thermal Station aims to offer more than just hydrotherapy. The tiled lounge area is versatile, designed to host a range of activities. These include art presentations, DJ sessions, and guided breathwork, extending the wellness experience beyond physical immersion to include cultural and mindful practices.
- Art presentations
- DJ sessions
- Guided breathwork
These additional programs provide opportunities for guests to engage in different forms of relaxation and self-care, making each visit unique. The thoughtful integration of these elements underscores the holistic approach to wellness embraced by Recess Thermal Station.
Materiality and Sensory Guidance
The design by Future Simple Studio consistently uses a curated palette of materials to guide visitors. Shifts between cold-rolled steel, slate floors, warm wood, marble, and varying light conditions provide clear orientation. This sensory guidance helps maintain a focused and calming atmosphere throughout the entire 75-minute circuit.
From the precise lines of the aluminum lattice at reception to the diffused warmth of the circular sauna and the cool blue glow of the plunge pool, every detail contributes to a cohesive and immersive wellness journey. The partnership with Aesop further elevates the experience, ensuring high-quality products are available throughout the facility.