Oasis - Vez River Spa

Oasis Vez River Spa - International Architecture Design Competition 2025

Project Overview
In response to the brief, the architectural concept for the Oasis - Vez River Spa, attempts to merge functionality with a connection to its natural surroundings. 

The design aims to create a modern sanctuary that offers refuge, relaxation, renewal, and exercise, all within the natural beauty of the Rio Vez region. The hybrid structure, developed from the form of a vernacular gable-roofed farmhouse, is linked conceptually to the adjacent Rio Vez weir, metaphorically creating tranquility in the river flow and a sense of suspension in the passage of time.

Summary
The Oasis Spa building is designed to balance aesthetic appeal with practical considerations. Its tripartite form and use of a rural gable roof archetype provide a sense of belonging and familiarity; the strategically located spa spaces, sustainable energy solutions, and conceptual link to the local river underscore a focus on harmony with nature and human well-being. 

Architectural Planning
Hybrid Form Concept
The Oasis Spa building is a tripartite hybrid form generated from a rural gable roof archetype. The pool area and gym/massage areas are split and expanded to the extents of the site footprint, creating an interstitial space for the spa areas. The gable ridge is rotated to maximize roof area and solar orientation for the photovoltaic clay roof tile. This rotation is conceptually linked to the angle of the weir across the Rio Vez.

Structure
The primary structural elements aim to enhance the overall sustainable strategy and coherence. The roof framing consists of a glued laminated double flitch ridge beam supporting glued laminated double roof rafters. Support walls are hempcrete blocks with in situ concrete lintels and integrated steel posts transferring loads to the concrete foundation. This approach attempts to integrate sustainable practices throughout the building's structural design, contributing to a more environmentally responsible and cohesive structure. 

Elevations
The rotation of the ridge line creates a modulation in height to the East and West facades, enabling the butt-glazed fenestration to echo the roofline and provide expansive views to the Rio Vez and the existing pools and landscape. A translucent slot window allows light and privacy in the Spa areas. The North and South elevations express the solidity of the form and the hybrid transition from the gable roof to the shed roof archetype.

Sections
The procession of spaces from the entrance along the North-South axis follows the modulation of the exterior forms. Leading from the Gym/Massage areas through the intimate, sloped-ceiling Spa hallway the pool Weir Falls completes this axial progression. A discreet service and access stair are planned behind the pool feature wall. The West-East section reveals the relationship between the millstream retaining wall and the cantilever deck projection; the retaining wall is cut back at the deck level with the top remaining aligned to the new sill. Mechanical space surrounds the pool and jacuzzi in the basement area.

Sustainability
Selection of the primary materials for the Oasis Vez River Spa responds to the principles adopted for sustainable architecture in Portugal, including the use of local and natural materials, climate responsiveness, respect for vernacular architecture, energy efficiency, and water management.

Exterior Materials
The exterior materials emphasize the contrast and layering between the solid and void volumes. A continuous Diathonite coating, made from natural cork, is spray-applied over the hempcrete block substructure to create a monolithic appearance. The central Spa structure is clad in vertical spruce tongue-and-groove boards processed with a traditional Japanese shou sugi ban charred surface for long-term sustainability. A lightweight metal roof completes the monolithic appearance. Roof tiles, in traditional red clay, employ the latest integrated photovoltaic technology. These flat-faced roof tiles allow for inset rainwater collection gutters. 

Interior Materials.
An exterior-interior dialogue is established by the continuation of Diathonite surfaces on interior walls and ceilings. Acoustic and thermal performance is an enhanced feature of Diathonite coatings. The walls of the Spa hallway connector are maple veneer panels with cork detailing. Cork floor surfaces coordinate with the wall finishes. Interior accent colors, for furniture and accessories, complement the overall specular interior. Locally sourced neutral gray Estremoz stone, with a bush-hammered finish, provides non-slip surfaces in Pool and Gym areas.