Basin Glacial
Waters

We were commissioned by Toolbox Studio to create abstract animations that bring the Basin brand to life through fluid, human-like motion. These animations use abstract forms to visually express the physical sensations experienced while immersed in a plunge pool or breathing in the warm, humid air of a sauna. Each element is designed to evoke the deeply felt, sensory responses that move through the body and mind—translating those neural experiences into a visual language.

Tingling Stimulation

The neural sensation of cool water immersion or water rushing over your skin is both invigorating and refreshing. As the coolness of the water stimulates your body, it creates a vibrant, tingling feeling that activates your senses. This sensation often triggers a rush of energy, a heightened awareness of your surroundings, and a deep connection to the moment

The contrast between the soothing embrace of the water and the sharp, exhilarating sensation on your skin creates a powerful physical response, engaging both your body and mind.

This experience is often accompanied by a feeling of renewal, as if the body is being awakened and refreshed, amplifying the connection between the physical and sensory realms.

Shock Polarization
The neural sensation of the abrupt transition between hot and cold environments is a powerful and intense experience. This sudden shift creates a feeling of polarization within the body, as it quickly adapts to the contrasting temperatures. The shock of extreme cold after a sauna or the rush of warmth following a plunge into icy water triggers a deep, immediate response from your nervous system

This sensation can be felt as an electric jolt of energy, a rush of heightened alertness, and even a brief feeling of disorientation, followed by a sense of invigoration. It is a primal experience that stimulates both the physical body and the mind, creating a powerful connection to the moment and a renewed sense of vitality.

The physical effects on the body are profound, including an increased heart rate as the body adjusts to sudden changes, an abrupt shift in temperature that challenges the nervous system, and the quick opening and closing of pores as the skin responds to the fluctuating conditions. Muscles contract and relax in response to the temperature extremes, while sharp inhales and exhales follow instinctively as the body seeks to regulate itself.

This all culminates in the intense switch between opposing sensations, which creates a heightened state of awareness and a deep connection to both the physical and sensory experience.

Heat, Rest, Slowness

The neural sensation of easing into a warm or hot environment evokes a deep sense of calm and release. As the heat gently envelops the body, it signals a shift into a slower, more restful state. Muscles begin to relax, tension melts away, and the mind gradually unwinds.

This warmth invites stillness — a deliberate slowing down of breath, movement, and thought. It activates the body's natural mechanisms for rest and recovery, grounding you in the present moment. The sensation is not just physical but emotional, offering comfort, safety, and a sense of being held. It mirrors the feeling of sinking into a hot bath or stepping into a quiet sauna — a ritual of letting go, softening, and reconnecting with yourself through warmth and slown
ess.

Credits:
Client: Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
Created By: Subframe Studio
Art Director: Mikhail Sedov
Design / Animation: Vasiliy Filileev,
Mikhail Sedov
Creative Director: Niko Potton
Designer: Megan Drummond