SID LEE ARCHITECTURE | Bota Bota

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.com

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Photo : © Stéphane Brügger
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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 inspiration

to 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 former
Project 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.

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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.

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The ship, though
permanently docked
at the Old Port,
seems to be floating
in the timeless space
of the river.
This sense of infinity permeates the ship’s interior,
creating a world of materiality, ambiance, space, and
color. Moving through these spaces inspired by the
sea becomes a journey of discovery for the senses. It
provides 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 body
through a new architectural language whose forms and
textures reinterpret the maritime world.

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

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Water is at the very
core of the project.
The contact between the boat and the water is felt on every level
through a gradual adjustment from somber to airy and from the
dark 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 becomes
increasingly bright as the sky is unveiled and a breathtaking
panorama opens up.

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“Our team developed an architectural
program designed to recreate an environment
reminiscent of an ocean liner voyage, even
though the ship would remain at dock,
contemplating the gorgeous Montreal
skyline and the river”
- Jean Pelland

This idea of a maiden voyage comes to life as visitors
cross over Quai des éclusiers and the train bridge
and enter the classic style garden, which stands in
stark contrast to the industrial landscape. From
this plateau, the promenade leads to the reception
barge, which is both a point of entry and a technical
platform housing the mechanical systems and
exit stairs. Visitors then transition into a world
of atmosphere and composition as they leave the
entrance and go from the somber lighting of the
hold to the bright upper decks on a stairway shaped
like a ship’s bow—the backbone of the project.
This stairway provides a window onto the marine
environment as well as breathtaking views of the
city, 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 traditional
Synergy 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 biggest
constraint on the
project was its
very nature, that
of a floating steel
structure.
The judicious use of lightweight materials thus
became an integral part of the architectural
program. For instance, the initial desire to have
wood lockers in the changing rooms was quickly
jettisoned in favor of narrow-gauge steel, due to
weight considerations. So the big challenge was how
to uphold our architectural vision and approach
despite numerous constraints. The solution was
to remain true to the original “floating project” by
adapting existing products and making innovative
choices when it came to techniques and materials.

logo and font

stationery

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 spectacular
web 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’re

signage

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architectural plans In summary:

surface area

and 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. outdoors
Technical 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 l'architecte + 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 SITE

site plan
address: 358 de la Commune West, Quays of the Old Port of Montreal

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multiform cold city steam round
pool showers sauna bath pool
(hamam)

bota treatment main portholes
chic rooms entrance room


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 BABORD

port elevation
number of bridges: 5
total number of small portholes: 670
number of small portholes portside (river side): 285
number of small portholes starboard side (dock side): 385

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round city river cold multiform
pool sauna sauna showers pool

portholes exit treatment bota
room deck bistro rooms chic


BOTA BOTA_SPA SUR L’EAU DANIEL ÉMOND ÉLÉVATION TRIBORD

starboard elevation
number of bridges: 5
total number of small portholes: 670
number of small portholes portside (river side): 285
number of small portholes starboard side (dock side): 385

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BOTA BOTA_SPA SUR L’EAU DANIEL ÉMOND PONT CALE

hold bridge
Locker rooms, Lockers, showers, bathrooms
surface area: 2989 sq.ft.
number of men’s lockers: 96
number of women’s lockers: 142

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BOTA BOTA_SPA SUR L’EAU DANIEL ÉMOND PONT PRINCIPAL

main bridge
bIstro, treatment rooms, bota chIc, receptIon, boutIque
number of single treatment rooms: 8
number of double treatment rooms: 2

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BOTA BOTA_SPA SUR L’EAU DANIEL ÉMOND PONT INTERMÉDIAIRE

middle bridge
Large porthoLes, studIos, treatment rooms
number of large portholes: 6

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BOTA BOTA_SPA SUR L’EAU DANIEL ÉMOND PONT PROMENADE

promenade bridge
rIver sauna, muLtIform pooL, steam bath, coLd bath, decks,
showers, bathrooms
surface area: 2952 sq.ft indoors, 2898 sq.ft. outdoors
river sauna capacity: 25 people
multiform pool capacity: 30 people
steam bath capacity (hammam): 15 people

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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

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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.

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