In Seclusion Функсияи асосӣ: Спаи соҳилӣ by Zehua Zhang

In Seclusion Функсияи асосӣ: Спаи соҳилӣ by Zehua Zhang is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 Ҷоизаи биринҷии A' Design Award in Дизайни меъморӣ, бино ва иншоот Competition Category.

БиринҷМеъморӣ· 2026

In Seclusion Функсияи асосӣ: Спаи соҳилӣ

by Zehua Zhang

Client: Zehua Zhang

Ҷоизаи биринҷии A' Design Award Winner in Меъморӣ Category

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Verified Award Winner

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View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

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The Design

About In Seclusion Функсияи асосӣ: Спаи соҳилӣ

Матни китоб: Лоиҳа як спаи соҳилӣ дар Португалия мебошад. Тарроҳӣ дар дохили манзараи табиии мавҷуда ҷойгир шудааст ва барои коҳиш додани таъсири визуалӣ ҳаҷмҳои меъмории моеъро истифода мебарад. Майдонҳои калони шишабандӣ ҷорӣ карда мешаванд, то манзараҳо байни фазоҳои дохилӣ ва муҳити атроф имконпазир гарданд. Андовакории чӯбӣ ва фарши сангин дар тамоми дохилӣ татбиқ карда мешаванд. Барнома сауна, джакузи ва ҳаммоми туркиро дар бар мегирад, ки барои ташкили пайдарпайии фазоҳои оббозӣ танзим шудаанд. Тарҳбандӣ ин функсияҳоро нисбат ба дарё ва релефи атроф ташкил мекунад.

The Recognition

About the Ҷоизаи биринҷии A' Design Award

In Seclusion Функсияи асосӣ: Спаи соҳилӣ ғолиби Ҷоизаи биринҷии A' Design Award аст, ки эътирофи басо обрӯманд буда, ба тарҳҳои барҷаста дода мешавад, ки бо эҷодкорӣ, зеҳни тез ва зиракӣ фарқ мекунанд. Ғолибони биринҷ артефактҳои хеле моҳир ва ба таври ҷолиб эҷодкоронаанд, ки таҷрибаи васеъ, тасаввурот ва зеҳни тарроҳони худро тасдиқ мекунанд. Интизор меравад, ки In Seclusion Функсияи асосӣ: Спаи соҳилӣ ашёи хеле қадршуда, мавриди таҳсин ва маҳбуб бошад, ки ба таври назаррас касбӣ ва навоварона аст. Ин тарҳи ғолиби Ҷоизаи биринҷии A' Design Award беҳтарин амалияро дар санъат, илм, тарроҳӣ ва технология дар бар мегирад ва бо диққати худ ба тафсилот аъло аст. In Seclusion Функсияи асосӣ: Спаи соҳилӣ эҳтиёҷотро бо зебоӣ қонеъ мекунад, ба хостаҳо даст мерасонад, эҳсосотро мафтун месозад ва кунҷковиро ҷалб мекунад.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

Unique Properties: This is a riverside spa design in Portugal that embodies serene seclusion. It harmonizes fully with its historic and natural surroundings, using low-profile architecture, expansive glass, timber interiors, and stone flooring to blur indoor and outdoor boundaries. Its strengths lie in immersive nature integration, warm materiality, and a layout combining sauna, jacuzzi, and Turkish bath, offering guests a profound, multi-sensory retreat deeply connected to the landscape.
Dimensions & Packaging: Single-story building with overall dimensions of 20 meters in width, 8 meters in depth, and 8 meters in height.
Tags: Landscape architecture, leisure spa, wellness facilities, low-impact design, indoor-outdoor connection, integration with nature, immersive experience
Production Technology: The spa was designed through careful site analysis, integrating gently with the terrain. Timber, beige stone, and low-iron glass were chosen for warmth, durability, and transparency. The process combined ecological sensitivity, modular planning for sauna, jacuzzi, and Turkish bath, and precise glazing to enhance visual connections with nature, creating a harmonious, immersive, and sustainable environment.
Design Challenge: The hardest part was balancing serenity with practicality—preserving the historic watermill while adding modern spa facilities. Internally, respecting the site’s history and ecology challenged design choices. Externally, strict codes, structural limits, and material availability required adaptation. Technology and environmental analysis guided solutions, ensuring minimal impact while creating a harmonious, immersive experience
Research: Type of research: design-focused experiential study. Research objectives: explore how architecture can promote deep relaxation and enhance the human-nature connection. Methodology: combining site analysis, material studies, spatial simulations, and daylight analysis. Data collection: through site photos, topographic drawings, and building equipment specifications. Research tools: cad models, 3d visualizations, material samples, and environmental sensors monitoring light, sound, and water interaction.
Inspiration: The inspiration came from the serene beauty of the Vez River and the timeless presence of the old watermill. I was drawn to creating a space that allows people to reconnect with nature and themselves, offering quietude without isolation. My motive was to design a spa that flows with the landscape, using natural materials and transparent architecture to blur boundaries, fostering a profound, immersive experience of calm, reflection, and harmony with the environment.
Project Duration: The project started in February 2025 and finished in June 2025
Operation Flow: The spa functions through immersive spatial design: guests move through curated areas—pool, sauna, jacuzzi, Turkish bath—experiencing gentle sensory transitions. Interaction arises from visual and tactile engagement with natural materials, light, and water. Key moments occur at floor-to-ceiling glazing, pool edges, and steam-filled interiors. By harmonizing with nature, it deepens relaxation, enhances well-being, and fosters a seamless, restorative human-nature connection.
Team Members: Zehua Zhang