It is estimated that in Portugal, household expenses related to housing, water, electricity, and gas exceed 30% of total monthly and annual family costs, according to data from INE (Statistics Portugal) from July 2017. In buildings, both nationally and across the European Union, a potential water saving of 30% is estimated through the adoption of water efficiency measures.

In today’s architecture, tradition and innovation merge to create spaces that inspire well-being and respect the environment. Through her studio, Momoon, Teresa Mascarenhas combines architecture, Feng Shui, and sustainability. With experience at Aires Mateus and CHP Arquitectos, she has built a practice defined by detail, symmetry, and a deep connection to those who inhabit her spaces. In this #àconversacom, she shares her views on contemporary architecture, sustainability, and the influence of Feng Shui.

The construction sector is one of the main sectors associated with various environmental impacts (namely the consumption of natural resources and the emissions produced). It stands out – negatively – for being one of the sectors that consumes the most resources in a linear approach, with Construction and Demolition Waste (CDW) making up a very significant part of the waste generated.

Achieving ISO certification is a desired achievement for many companies. Catarina Raimundo, a talented consultant and auditor at Percentil – a consulting, auditing and training company in the areas of Quality, Environment and Occupational Safety and Health – has extensive experience in this field, helping companies achieve the necessary quality and sustainability standards.

Portugal’s housing crisis has driven the government to launch measures to boost supply, as the country needs more homes—fast. The construction sector plays a key role but faces major challenges: rising costs, labor shortages, and difficulty attracting new talent, as Beelt’s General Director, Bernardo Soares Coelho, explains in an interview with idealista/news. Licensing remains another major hurdle.

A residential building in the historic center of Alcochete is set to be revived with Beelt’s signature. The building, constructed over 70 years ago, will undergo rehabilitation and expansion to create four modern apartments (two T1s, one T2, and one T4), designed to prioritize architectural integration with the surrounding urban environment.

Light Steel Framing (LSF) is a construction system that uses light steel profiles as the main structural element for building construction. In this system, the structures are made of light steel profiles, typically galvanized or zinc-coated steel, designed to allow quick and efficient on-site assembly.

The construction industry still has a long way to go in terms of sustainability. One growing trend is timber construction, specifically CLT (Cross Laminated Timber). This is a more sustainable alternative, considered low-impact because it is renewable and part of the natural carbon absorption cycle of trees.

Based in Lisbon with over 40 years of experience, Santos Pinheiro Arquitetos Associados handles projects from concept to construction, from historic renovations to residential, tourism, and industrial buildings. We spoke with Arq. Vasco Pinheiro about the role of architecture, professional challenges, and trends shaping the future of the field.

Beelt has been selected to carry out the full renovation of a building in Mouraria (Travessa do Jordão), a historic central area of Lisbon. The building dates from the late 19th to early 20th century and features the typical “gaioleiro” style, a construction type that still makes up much of the old city’s fabric.

We spoke with Eng. Paulo Gregório, Head of Supervision for the Simple project in Vilamoura, about the importance of supervision on a project of this scale. According to PorticOne, the key to effective project management always lies in three pillars: “procedures, planning, and people”—areas in which Beelt has excelled, demonstrating an exceptional level of rigor and quality across all aspects of the project.

The real estate developer Trirhena hired Beelt to fully renovate a building in São Bento, Lisbon, transforming it into a residential development. The project includes complete structural rehabilitation, a new roof, and full interior redesign. Designed by Saraiva e Associados, it will feature four T2 apartments, one T1, and a small retail space. Beelt, appointed as general contractor for its proven quality and execution, will complete the work in 18 months.

Beelt’s main responsibility is to correctly implement its clients’ projects, but we believe we should also play an active role in promoting and recommending best practices for sustainable construction, aiming for a better future for the community.

Another project has just kicked off in the Algarve, fully developed by Beelt. The company was selected by the developer Lusoproa to build 5 villas, each with one basement and two above-ground floors, totaling approximately 1,400 m² of gross construction area, in a project named Simple Vilamoura.