Bondstone's latest premium residential project, Arcaya, will be built on what has been known as Quinta do Morgadinho, in the Vilamoura area (the Algarve's "Golden Triangle"), as a result of an investment of 700 million euros. Up to 700 residential units are to be built on this 68-hectare site.
The first phase of Arcaya's development will consist of 48 villas (Terratoca, Timber and Sand), with an area of 240 square meters, all set on plots of between 1,000 and 2,000 square meters. The first villas, with 4 bedrooms, will start at a launch price of 1.9 million euros and will be completed in 1 year's time.
These residences will also be supported by a club, restaurants, a wellness center, and services such as groceries, laundry, concierge and bike rides.
During the presentation of this project, Paulo Loureiro, Managing Partner & CEO of Bondstone, highlighted the fact that sustainability is the project's strong point: «we believe that we can and should contribute to new dynamics and more sustainable solutions», giving special emphasis to the conservation and promotion of biodiversity. «This project represents our commitment to the Algarve, to nature, to political decision-makers and to Loulé. When we combine companies committed to sustainability objectives and visionary political decision-makers, it is possible to do a project like this».
Frederico Pedro Nunes, COO of Bondstone, said: "We are very proud to present Arcaya to the market, a project that reflects Bondstone's vision and ambience and aims to bring a new perspective on sustainability and architecture to the national real estate market. With a pioneering approach, we are redefining sustainability standards in the real estate sector and the carbon footprint in the construction sector".
Arcaya is set to be the perfect place to experience nature to the full, on walks along the nature trails and pure water gardens, or in the numerous amenities that make up the exceptional landscape design. Living at Arcaya will be like living in a natural oasis in the Algarve, where unique houses of sustainable design blend harmoniously into an infinite garden, and where everything is at fingertips reach.
Urbanism, landscaping and architecture combined to create a project that is as sustainable as possible
The Arcaya was designed by the Spanish firm Battleiroig, which used a multidisciplinary approach, combining urbanism, landscaping and architecture with a special focus on sustainable construction and preservation of ecosystems.
Because the most sustainable way is to use what already exists, the architects chose to take advantage of all the infrastructure already in place on the site, making it compatible with the natural surroundings. The drainage systems were improved, the sidewalks renovated and public lighting made more efficient.
In terms of biodiversity, invasive species were cleared and removed. Autochthonous and pollinating species were planted to enrich the ecosystem, and the irrigation system was optimized. This created the Endless Garden concept, creating a destination where people can be and move around in a green space right up to their doorstep.
Water saving and retention was one of the main concerns of this project, as it is a serious and well-known problem in the Algarve. Various collection and infiltration systems were designed to improve the humidity conditions throughout the development, at road level, in the flowerbeds and in the garden;In addition, there are also traffic circles, the typography of which can be used to help water infiltrate into the ground. On the other hand, gray water recovery systems have also been installed.
With regard to construction, the integration of wood was a major focus, due to its lower environmental impact and reduced carbon footprint. In addition, it allows for off-site manufacture and on-site assembly, with all the advantages this brings in terms of quality, reduced construction times, among others.
Sustainability “more than a trend, a pressing need”
After the presentation of this project at SIL, there was a debate on the future of architecture. Vítor Gonçalves Aleixo, mayor of Loulé, said on the occasion that this type of project is cherished by the municipality because today sustainability is not just a concept. This project truly integrates sustainability. The reuse of a landscape that already existed is an exemplary project that has been warmly welcomed.
On the occasion, Duarte Cardoso Ferreira, Head of Strategic Advisory at CBRE, warned that sustainability today is much more than a trend, it is a pressing need. Real estate decisions have a medium-term effect, so it's not possible to make a resilient product without taking a long-term view into account. Furthermore, we have to remember that it's our life that's at stake, not that of the planet itself.
Albert Gil Margalef, CEO of Batlleiroig, says: "We know that the world changes very quickly. We look at our buildings from 10 years ago and we're already going to do things differently. We have to change our way of thinking. And if a few years ago we were the ones pushing our clients towards sustainability, today they are the ones pushing us. And that's great!".
André Samuel Dias, Head of Research and Operations at SerQ, recalls that "the search for sustainability in construction was not an issue", and believes that still few students leave Portuguese universities with a basis for dimensioning wood, for example.