Portugal
Vez River SPA

At first glance, this proposal feels almost conservative, yet a closer look reveals a nuanced balance - with familiar materiality on the exterior and a contemporary, refined interior. It plays beautifully with the relationship between inside and outside, offering a sequence of well-proportioned, calming spaces with thoughtfully framed views. The result is a quiet confidence, creating a strong and elegant sense of connection to the place.

The choice of tiles for the roof and the rest of the construction, in keeping with the existing structure, gives it coherence and simplicity. The contrast is created in the interior, not only through the volumetric effects but also through the neutrality of the graphics. The limited information available about the project ultimately hinders a proper understanding of its defining features.

The project makes excellent use of façade and roof materials that thoughtfully reflect the characteristics of the existing environment, allowing the architecture to seamlessly blend into its context. Through careful spatial division and integration, it creates a dynamic interplay between indoor and outdoor areas. The addition of lush planting further enhances the spa experience, evoking the sensation of bathing in nature.

This proposal stands out for its ability to break down the overall form into smaller, more traditional proportions, achieving a well-balanced and contextually sensitive presence. It successfully weaves together contemporary and traditional elements, presenting an exterior that blends discreetly with its surroundings while revealing a more contemporary and dynamic character in the interior.

The design is vernacular, simple, and powerful. It is well embedded in the urban context, with carefully considered sectional relationships that bring in sunlight and water. The different sections serve as powerful tools to represent water.

This proposal presents a light and sustainable structure that succeeds in combining tradition with contemporary architectural language through simple yet meaningful gestures. The thoughtful use of eco-friendly materials and structural lightness demonstrates an intelligent and responsible design approach. It establishes a symbiotic relationship with nature, bringing it into the interior and enhancing the overall spatial experience.

The formal relation between the vernacular example and the design proposal is not clear, and the use of the roof forms, materiality, and colour selection needs work. There is a nice use of axonometric diagrams and a sensitive interior materiality; however, it is necessary to provide more information regarding thermal insulation. The interior space is nice, as is the use of the courtyard.

This proposal demonstrates a strong and thoughtful design approach with a well-chosen typology. The choice of material is successful - the lighter annex contrasts with the stone main house establishing a clear hierarchy. There is a sense of playfulness in the roof shapes, subtly evoking the movement of the mill’s water wheel, a poetic site-specific gesture. The plan is well-resolved, providing private zones yet defining a grounding centre. Carefully framed views offer a glimpse of the surrounding landscape.

Clean, impeccable layout. A breathtaking integration of structure, circulation, partitions, and the natural lighting strategy. The modular precision, calibrated proportions, and rigorous material selection make this project a site-specific work, as if it were already there. This project embraces timeless passive sustainability strategies; rather than flashy technologies, it is quietly realised with locally sourced, durable materials.

The project establishes an intimate relationship with the river by organizing the program around a central axis that opens directly onto the landscape. The strategy of placing the enclosed spaces at either end is successful, as it frees up the space in between and transforms it into a passageway where the surroundings are projected into the spa in a natural and striking way.

The incorporation of overhead lighting ensures controlled and diffuse light, creating a bright and serene atmosphere, ideal for this type of program. From the river, the exterior image takes on a strong presence, achieving a balanced dialogue with the existing building. The use of wood reinforces the warmth of the interior spaces and establishes a material and symbolic link with the historic mill.

This proposal elegantly combines stone and wood, creating a building that is a contemporary addition yet firmly grounded in the landscape. The inside opens up, telling a story of lightness with expansive views and abundant natural light, while maintaining a strong dialogue and connection with the site, the main house, and the mill’s wheel.

This project demonstrates an unconventional and innovative approach to the program, drawing on strong conceptual references. It achieves a remarkable balance between heavy and light elements, while the use of sustainable materials reinforces both the responsibility and coherence of the design.

A very beautiful and unique story of a boat! Every aspect of the design has a rhythm, in the rooms, the window openings, the roof, the stepping stone paving, the still water inside, and the creek outside. It reflects environmental sensitivity and creates a poetic atmosphere.

Good proposal with nice plans and internal spatial organisation, complemented by sensitive materiality. The interior spaces and viewpoints relate well to the landscape, enhancing the overall experience. However, improved solar protection and reduced glazing on the western façade could be beneficial.

The elegant exterior aesthetic contrasts with the intentional interior design. Sun exposure defines the interior design, allowing for fuller enjoyment of the space and equipment. All mechanical components of the equipment were considered, and the construction modules were well-designed. Considerable air circulation and the unobstructed view to the east add to the visual comfort of the exterior. A list of raw materials used in the construction would have been beneficial for a better assessment.

The design excellence of this project lies in its thoughtful spatial circulation planning and the strategic layering of shared spaces to define distinct functional zones. The façade design skillfully balances natural light and privacy through well-considered window proportions. Material selection also responds sensitively to the local context, contributing to a harmonious aesthetic that integrates seamlessly with the environment.

The project demonstrates ingenious use of structure and materials. It reflects a commitment to sustainability while seamlessly integrating into its surroundings. The design harmoniously complements the historic buildings and courtyard landscape, with a deep consideration for vernacular culture. The architecture blends effortlessly into the natural scenery while reactivating the social courtyard. The interior spaces feel both relaxed and meditative.

The envisioned volume immediately posse sses an aesthetic appropriate to that space and location. The occupied space appears contained when viewed from the lake. The exposed stone and wood complement the existing space. Despite a less accomplished entrance door, the idea of ​​an outdoor seating area is a welcome one.

The interior meets the requirements of a spa that embraces peace of mind, particularly the feeling of a niche, a secluded space free from visual interference. Centered on the individual and with discreet connections to the outdoors and nature. This is a proposal that directly reflects the spa's surroundings while maintaining the coherence of the existing building.