PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Situated along the tranquil banks of the Vez River in northern Portugal, the Vez River Spa proposes a boutique wellness retreat embedded within the ecological and cultural landscape of the Peneda-Gerês region. The project expands the experience of a restored historic watermill and guesthouse, transforming the site into an intimate environment for relaxation, hydrotherapy, and immersion in nature. The architecture draws inspiration from the quiet rhythms of the river and the layered histories of the surrounding landscape—forests, rural paths, and traditional stone villages.

The design is organized through a clear geometric strategy based on a rectangular prism that is carved and articulated through a series of dynamic profiles. These subtle incisions produce variations in section and roofline, shaping a sequence of spaces while maintaining a disciplined formal clarity. The program is structured along a linear progression connecting the existing guesthouse to the spa. At the western end, a secluded spa module is embedded within dense vegetation, providing privacy and acoustic buffering from the surrounding environment. The central volume houses the primary hydrotherapy pool, conceived as the spatial and experiential core of the project. To the east, a small fitness space and entry sequence connect directly to the guesthouse, allowing the new structure to operate as an extension of the existing hospitality program.

The pool hall opens toward a large north-facing window, drawing soft, diffuse light into the interior while framing expansive views of the Vez River valley. Materially, the building combines regional stone masonry with a light timber envelope, grounding the structure within the vernacular language of northern Portugal.

Embedded within the terrain and framed by vegetation, the Vez River Spa seeks to cultivate a quiet dialogue between architecture, landscape, and the restorative qualities of water.