QC NY Spa

The project involved repurposing three historic McKim, Mead, and White army barrack buildings from the 1900s into a ‘wellness campus.’ RDH Architects, inspired by these historic structures, integrated QC Terme’s signature hydrotherapy pools within the property’s landscape. This design delivers a year-round therapeutic aqua-journey with stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty, ensuring a unique wellness experience in every season.

QC NY is a classic European spa, boasting extensive amenities. These include exotic thermal jetted pools and contrasting heat treatments such as steam rooms and saunas. The hydrotherapy experience features pools of hot and cold water, that boosts the immune system and invigorate the mind and body. Additionally, the spa offers a comprehensive menu of massages, body treatments and relaxation experiences.

Recycling these historic buildings and adaptively re-using the architectural shells, reduces the projects carbon-footprint and brings a 20% savings to construction costs.  Building + human sustainability is part of RDH-A’s design ethos.  The idea of public bathhouses as social hubs dates back to ancient Greek times. These communal spaces were where people gathered to share news and gossip. Today, urban bathhouses are experiencing a revival, blending traditional wellness experiences with modern social needs. The recent pandemic’s isolating effects have rekindled a desire for in-person socialization over virtual interactions.

QC NY addresses this need, by serving as a “wellness sanctuary” on Governors Island, where family and friends can gather in pools, steam rooms, and communal saunas. RDH-A, in collaboration with QC Terme, has created a space that not only honors the past but also connects contemporary wellness and social needs, providing a perfect balance of relaxation, rejuvenation and personal sustainability within an urban environment.