Casais, the leading construction group and property developer, has announced plans to open what it claims is Iberia’s first timber-hybrid commercial building in the northern Portuguese town of Guimarães by the end of the year.
The €11 million complex, which includes a 95-room hotel, 44 studio flats for rent and a commercial unit, is located next to the Universidade do Minho Hub.
The timber-hybrid pre-fabricated construction is described as being made using engineered wood and just a third of the concrete of a traditional building.
“This system offers economic savings on three fronts”, the company said in a statement, pointing to 60% lower carbon emissions than a conventional building, as well as time savings in construction, more stable material prices, and the minimising of errors in the construction phase.
Half of the materials used in the interiors of this building can be repurposed at the end of the building’s life, Casais added, also noting that the hybrid construction method generates 70% less waste than a regular build.
Source: Dinheiro Vivo / Cree Buildings
