Eco-Conscious Design And Operational Excellence Reduces Environmental Footprint 

Being “green” is a lifestyle mentality that informs the decisions of many travellers. The Scandinave Spa Whistler not only helps their guests eliminate stress and toxins through the practice of hydrotherapy; their commitment to the environment extends to cutting-edge green technology that works to reduce the environmental footprint of the facility itself.

Brent Murdoch, owner of Whistler-based firm Murdoch + Company Architecture and Whistler Construction carried out the spa’s eco-conscious construction. With six separate buildings spread over three acres of forested hillside, this was no easy task.

“We designed Scandinave Spa Whistler as a unique landscape-derived activity,” says Murdoch. “The entire design was guided by principles of sustainability to harmonize with its setting, and to minimize where possible, the spa’s impact on the environment.”

Technologies employed in the construction of this eco-friendly facility include:

Site and Landscape:

• Vegetated “green” roofs are low slope and grass-covered, creating efficiencies for heating and cooling while acting as added insulation.
• Buildings are oriented to optimize winter sunlight exposure and clustered in south-facing groups to create a microclimate enclosure.
• Landscaping includes drought-tolerant, pest-resistant and regionally appropriate plants.

Energy and Environment:

• A heat recovery system uses recuperated heat from the baths and showers to preheat water throughout the spa.
• High efficiency natural gas furnace and boilers are used to heat water for baths, sidewalks and locker room floors. Efficiency of each natural gas BTU is 96 to 98 per cent, well above the recommended 85 per cent.
• Building orientation, window design and thermal mass helps achieve passive solar heating on all major buildings.
• Energy star-certified products and down lighting reduces light pollution.

Water:

• Water-saving showerheads and dual flush toilets.
• Water-saving irrigation and controls.

Waste:

• Dedicated recycling space for collecting and separating all recyclable waste.
• Recycling facilities and recycling program in place throughout the spa.

From outfitting staff with uniforms made of sustainable fibres to the use of stainless steel bottles in lieu of plastic, the Scandinave Spa Whistler strives for a sustainable spa to provide the healthiest experience possible.

“We know being in harmony with nature is vital to the best possible spa experience,” says Annique Aird, General Manager, Scandinave Spa Whistler. “Although the up-front costs for creating the most green spa operation possible are high, sustainability is a value we uphold and an investment we are committed to making for the future.”

The Scandinave Spa is spread over three acres and overlooks Whistler’s incredible landscape, offering the experience of hydrotherapy in the heart of nature. This year-round activity cleanses the body and skin while improving blood circulation and physical conditioning and producing the effect of increased wellness and intense relaxation. Occurring in three stages, just a few hours are required to fully enjoy the benefits of hydrotherapy. In sequence, the body is first heated in the Eucalyptus steam bath, hot baths or wood burning Finnish sauna. Then, the body is cooled quickly in the Nordic waterfalls, cold baths or shower. Finally, relaxation takes place in the serenity of solariums, terraces or by the outdoor fireplace. And for the ultimate relaxation, combine a Swedish, Deep Tissue, Sports, Hot Stone or Thai Yoga massage with the baths.

About Scandinave Spa 

Scandinave Spa is a group specializing in the conceptualization, design and management of hydrotherapy spas. Scandinavian-style spas provide an authentic spa experience in natural and urban environments. The group’s portfolio currently includes four spas. One in Mont-Tremblant, PQ, which was recently voted one of top 12 Best eco-spas in the world by Organic Spa Magazine, one urban spa in Old Montreal, PQ, proud recipient of interior design awards, one franchised spa at Blue Mountain, ON, named one of top 50 spas in America according to Spas of America and now their fourth in Whistler, BC named one of top 100 spas in America by Spas of America and the best spa in Whistler by Pique Newsmagazine.

 

For more information about Scandinave Spa Whistler and the Scandinavian bath experience, visit www.scandinave.com or call 604-935-2424.