Renovation of the Vila d'Este buildings

The first edition spotlights the exterior rehabilitation of the residential buildings in Vila d’Este, Vila Nova de Gaia, regarded as one of the most significant examples of affordable housing in Portugal. This project’s impressive scale and complexity called for close cooperation among designers, engineers and builders, founded on rigorous and collaborative technical diagnosis.​

Vila d’Este encompasses 109 buildings, with 2,085 dwellings and 76 commercial spaces, strategically situated alongside Portugal’s main motorway, the A1. Thorough surveys of the residents and in-depth property inspections were conducted to systematically uncover and address existing building anomalies. The solutions implemented focused on thoughtful architectural enhancements that bring tangible improvements to residents’ quality of life, as well as the urban landscape.​

The rehabilitation introduced new cladding on façades and roofs, advanced waterproofing and thermal insulation systems, and renewed shared spaces. This work serves as a model for social integration and the strengthening of local ties, demonstrating how valuing built heritage can make a lasting, positive impact on an entire community