The Grupo Casais has initiated a new housing project in Guimarães, Portugal, comprising 75 affordable units for rent. The groundbreaking ceremony took place on Tuesday. Located in Lugar de Mataduços, the project is part of the government's 1º Direito program, aimed at increasing affordable housing. The five-story building will feature 75 apartments, including 34 one-bedroom, 30 two-bedroom, 10 three-bedroom, and one four-bedroom unit.
The project is designed with modularity principles, ensuring spacious apartments with natural lighting, ventilation, and private parking for each unit. The interior design features durable finishes, including exposed concrete ceilings with wooden beams in the kitchen, dining, and living areas. According to Ana Tavares, the project reflects the company's vision of building better and faster while prioritizing residents' well-being.
António Carlos Rodrigues, CEO of Grupo Casais, highlighted the project's innovative approach, which adopts a hybrid structure and off-site prefabrication. This method allows for increased efficiency and a significant reduction in carbon footprint. The company aims to contribute to Guimarães' affordable housing supply while ensuring maximum comfort and sustainability for residents.
Sustainability and technological innovation are core to this project. Grupo Casais has opted for a hybrid structure combining wood and concrete, reducing concrete usage by approximately 40% compared to traditional construction methods. The prefabrication process minimizes waste generation by 70% and noise pollution by over 50%, mitigating the construction site's impact on the urban environment.
The project utilizes Building Information Modelling (BIM) methodology for rigorous planning, execution, and cost control. It has received preliminary LiderA certification with an A rating and aims to incorporate 38.4% recycled materials, with 50% of materials being reusable at the end of the building's life cycle. The apartments will feature continuous insulation, acoustic security doors, and double-glazed PVC windows for optimal thermal and acoustic comfort.
The construction, led by Casais Construction, is expected to be completed within 359 days. In parallel, Grupo Casais is developing the Minho Innovation and Technology Hub in Azurém, focused on sustainable housing solutions and integrated into a community energy project. This initiative aligns with the company's commitment to innovative and environmentally responsible construction practices.
The new development in Guimarães is expected to have a positive impact on the local community, providing affordable housing options and promoting sustainable living. Grupo Casais' investment in this project demonstrates its dedication to addressing housing needs while minimizing environmental impact. The company's efforts in Guimarães and Azurém showcase its role in driving innovation and sustainability in the construction sector.
Key points
- Grupo Casais' project in Guimarães features 75 affordable housing units with a focus on sustainability and innovation.
- The project adopts a hybrid structure and off-site prefabrication, reducing carbon footprint and waste generation.
- The development is part of Portugal's 1º Direito program, aimed at increasing affordable housing supply.
