Portilame and Carmo Wood, two competing companies in the field of wood construction, have entered into a strategic and innovative partnership. This collaboration aims to unite efforts, resources and expertise to boost wood construction in buildings with three or more floors, with a more efficient, faster and sustainable approach.
Of the various projects under study, the first project is the construction of a three-storey building to house higher education students in the Guimarães Science and Technology Park (Avepark). The construction of this new building in Avepark, designed to accommodate different profiles of residents, including students, researchers and teachers, will cost around 13.8 million euros.
The consortium formed by Agrupamento Lúcio da Silva Azevedo e Filhos and Incons – Indústria de Construção will be responsible for the construction of the building. The company has hired Portilame, now in partnership with Carmo Wood, to develop this project, which will culminate in the first construction project resulting from the partnership between the two companies in the wood construction sector.
Modular and prefabricated construction system
According to a statement issued by the municipality of Guimarães in May 2023, the future student accommodation is intended to be a benchmark in the city and country as a landmark building in the area of energy efficiency, sustainability and innovation. To achieve this goal, a modular and prefabricated construction system will be adopted, using wood in various forms, with the expertise of Portilame and Carmo Wood being essential to the success of its construction.
The building will be designed as net-zero, emphasizing innovative features such as energy self-sufficiency, low CO2 emissions, reduced maintenance costs and adaptability over time.
"With the growing demand for wood construction solutions, especially for high-rise buildings, the housing crisis and the search for more sustainable solutions, Carmo Wood and PORTILAME are now well placed to respond to the specific needs of the market. The adaptive approach to market trends, the direct response to specific needs and the commitment to sustainability and efficiency are the pillars of this strategic collaboration," says João Figueiredo, COO and Director of Carmo Wood.
"Contributing to carbon neutrality by promoting the use of renewable natural materials, such as wood, is our moral obligation to the next generations. The paradigm shift in construction underpins this strategic partnership, ensuring specialized and consolidated technical support, with the seal of approval that characterizes these two companies" Luís Rocha, CEO and Director of Portilame, reiterates.