Dip Into Geothermal Baths & Eco Luxury at Canada’s La Source Spa

If your summer is as busy as ours have been, you're probably ready for a bit of R&amp;R. If dipping into soothing geothermal baths and getting a massage sound as good to you as they do to us, <a href="http://www.lasourcespa.com/" target="_blank">La Source Spa</a> in Rawdon outside of Montreal may just be the ticket. Designed by <a href="http://www.btae.ca/" target="_blank">Blouin Tardif Architecture</a>, the massage therapy pavilion was built with respect for the surrounding environment and makes use of natural materials, solar passive design and <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/geothermal">geothermal</a> energy. Although it may be the middle of summer and most of us would prefer a dip into something cold, we'll take any type of relaxation we can get!

The new pavilion is an addition to the existing facilities to improve the spa's programming and activities.

The 800 sq m, three-story building includes space for 13 massage tables, two lounges, a reception area, and administrative offices.

Conservation of the existing environment and surrounding trees was of utmost importance as well as energy efficiency during design and construction.

<a href="http://inhabitat.com/som-unveils-plans-for-a-green-geothermal-district-in-beijing/">Geothermal</a> is used as a source for heating for the pools and inside through concrete radiant floors, which also act as thermal mass.

Solar passive design utilizes the sun for heating in the winter and shade devices, like large overhangs, motorized shades and slatted windows to minimize overheating in the summer.

One of the main goals of the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/historic-ferryboat-renovated-into-a-floating-spa/">luxurious spa</a> is to provide a relaxing experience in the midst of nature.

To achieve that, warm natural materials were used along with a strong visual connection with the environment whether inside our outside.

A <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/green-roof">green roof</a> acts as further insulation for the building and minimizes the visual impact.

Lounges on the lower floor.

Massage rooms.

The building is clad in torrefacted poplar, which is a treatment to make the wood more durable.

The building blends in with the environment.

The project was a finalist for an award of excellence from the Quebec Order of Architects in 2009.