RIVA Spain, a luxury flooring solutions brand and leader in European wood manufacturing, in partnership with AIA Miami, is proud to announce the winner of the inaugural RIVA Prize for Excellence in Sustainable Design. This prestigious prize honors the exceptional architectural achievements of Florida-based architects and designers who demonstrate a profound commitment to sustainability and innovative design. The winner, Claudio Salazar, founder and principal architect of RooTSDNA, was selected for their project, the Connor Residence, which embodies the core values of the RIVA Prize—sustainability, innovation, and climate adaptation.
“This project by RooTSDNA is on brand with RIVA’s core value of establishing a luxurious connection to nature,” said Borja Iglesias, CEO of RIVA Spain, who presented the award at the AIA Miami Design Awards Gala. “The project has an elevated level of design and sophistication in its execution. It has elements of high-level architectural engineering and innovation concepts that we aspire to. The connection to nature is even more present in this project, as Oak trees surround the house. Additionally, this project is a remodel of an existing 1956 home, and at RIVA Spain, we appreciate the history and sustainability aspects behind this renovation. We are also proud that the first RIVA Prize is in Miami, like the headquarters of RIVA Spain.”
The designer turned a roof damage issue into an opportunity for innovative environmental solutions; a rainwater harvesting system was installed to capture and store water during the rainy season, providing a sustainable source for plant irrigation and pool refills and thereby reducing reliance on external water supplies. Landscape bioswales have been incorporated to manage stormwater runoff, mitigate erosion, and promote groundwater recharge. The design also emphasizes energy efficiency through the strategic use of natural light and ventilation, with carefully positioned openings that optimize daylight distribution and cross-ventilation, enhancing both comfort and energy performance. Furthermore, solar panels have been integrated to harness renewable energy, significantly reducing the residence’s carbon footprint and operational costs.
The jury, which included AIA Miami Design Awards panel members alongside Borja Iglesias, CEO of RIVA Spain, assessed submissions based on materiality, design innovation, and strategies for addressing energy and environmental challenges. Special consideration was given to projects that connected materiality with building form and successfully demonstrated climate adaptation and equity.
As the winner of the RIVA Prize, Salazar will receive an exclusive trip for two to Spain, valued at $10,000, where they will have the opportunity to explore Spain’s rich architectural heritage and contemporary design landscape.
The RIVA Prize was introduced in 2024 as a collaboration between RIVA Spain and AIA Miami, aimed at celebrating architects who lead with innovation and a deep commitment to sustainability. The prize highlights projects that advance architectural strategies for sustainability, focusing on material inventiveness and the response to climate challenges in the built environment.
To learn more about RIVA Spain, visit https://www.rivaspain.com.
