0 A SAUNA LIKE NO OTHER - THE CANADIAN GROTTO SAUNA By Partisans

Designing and building a grotto, (any type of natural or artificial cave), is not unusual, but designing and building a grotto that's also a sauna, being close to water and dealing with a prehistoric large-scale rock formation, well, that takes a bit more research, planning... and skill.

Using state of the art 3-D technology to scan, model and build this sculpted grotto, a local design studio, Partisans, was able to create this free-standing structure that not only blends with its elements, but would respect and mature with it as well.

Now, perched on a private island north of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, a beautifully sculpted space now exists to create a sensual experience for its owners.

All images courtesy of Partisans.

2 BRIDGE VLAARDINGSE VAART - THE 'TWIST' BRIDGE BY WEST 8 ARCHITECTS

The BRIDGE VLAARDINGSE VAART or the "Bridge Over the 'Vlaardingse' Canal, is a bridge designed by West 8 Architects with structural engineers ABT.  Spanning approximately 42 meters, this bridge connnects the Holy-Zuid district and the Broekpolder district over Vlaardingse Vaart in The Netherlands.

Photos © Jeroen Musch

0 THE HIGH TRESTLE BRIDGE | ARTWORK BY DAVID B. DAHLQUIST

David B. Dahlquist is a nationally recognized public artist and instructor at RDG Dahlquist Art Studio in Des Moines, Iowa. His vision for integrating artwork into the High Trestle Trail was competitively selected by committee through a juried "call for artist" issued by the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation (INHF) and its nine partners - the four counties and five communities impacted by the trail. As an accomplished artist and avid cyclist, David felt an immediate personal connection with the High Trestle Trail Bridge and the potential for creating a unique experience. He looked to the natural beauty and wonder of the Des Moines River Valley and gathered inspiration from the panoramic views, the depth and breadth of the valley floor and rich history of the region.

1 THE SIMCOE 'WAVE DECK' OF TORONTO

The Simcoe WaveDeck, by Designers West 8 and DTAH, is one in a series of uniquely Canadian urban docks, and is as artistic as it is functional. Located just west of Simcoe Street, the wooden wavedeck features an informal public amphitheatre-style space with impressive curves that soar as high as 2.6 metres above the lake.

0 THE NEW WELLNESS CENTER OF PARCO ACQUE AI CAPPUCCINI

Italian architect Simone Micheli has completed a new wellness center in the Park Hotel ai Cappuccini in Gubbio, Italy.