Portugal Vez River Spa
Dezeen Competitions: Portugal Vez River Spa invites designers to propose a new spa next to the Vez River in rural northern Portugal.
Successful submissions will combine creative architectural solutions with sensitivity towards the site’s cultural heritage and the surrounding natural environment.
This competition has now closed
Organiser: Buildner
Competition: Portugal Vez River Spa
Judges:
- Luise Marter, staff member at KWY studio
- Liwei Shen, landscape designer at Sasaki Associates
- Nuno Pimenta, designer at OMA
- Harrison Stallan, architect OMA
- Sean Shen, architect at ZJJZ
- Tiago Krusse, journalist at Design Magazine
- Cy Zheng, landscape and urban designer at Sasaki Associates
Submission deadline: 17 July 2025
Winner announcement: 23 September 2025
Prizes: There will be three winning proposals, two special award recipients and six honourable mentions. There is €10,000 in prize money for competition winners as follows: 1st prize: €5,000; 2nd prize: €2,500; 3rd prize: €1,000; Buildner Student Award: €1,000; Buildner Sustainability Award: €500
Competition overview
Located on the serene banks of the Vez River in northern Portugal, this competition invites architects to design a boutique wellness spa that blends harmoniously with its natural surroundings.
Nestled beside a historic watermill, the site offers an opportunity to create a space that reflects the tranquility and beauty of the region.
The aim of the competition is to inspire designs that embrace the peaceful atmosphere of the Vez River while providing a thoughtful, intimate wellness experience.
Architects are encouraged to explore concepts that celebrate the connection between nature, relaxation, and design innovation, fostering a sense of balance and harmony.
This competition seeks creative and sensitive approaches that capture the spirit of the location.
The resulting spa should be a serene retreat where architecture and nature come together to offer a rejuvenating escape in one of Portugal’s most picturesque settings.
Eligibility and judging criteria
This competition is open to any participant aged 18 and over.
The competition challenges architects to propose innovative and thoughtful designs that reflect the peaceful atmosphere of the Vez River while offering modern wellness amenities.
The spa will serve as a key feature of a broader vision to transform the site into a unique destination for relaxation and rejuvenation, inspired by the owner’s decades-long commitment to preserving the area’s natural and cultural heritage.
Buildner invites creative minds from around the world to reimagine this stunning location and craft a design that merges architecture, nature and wellness.
How to enter
- No video files are accepted
- All information provided in writing must be in English
- All submissions must be uploaded via the architecturecompetitions.com upload panel. Access information and instructions on how to upload the presentation board will be issued to participants via email immediately after successful registration
- Presentation boards must not indicate any information related to individual’s/team’s identity
Submission deadlines
The final registration deadline is 11 June 2025. The closing date for submissions is 17 July and the winners will be announced on 23 September 2025.
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