Category: Architecture

Architecture

How Architecture Protects Nature

| Mjarc

Today marks World Nature Conservation Day. And we believe that across all sectors (construction, industry, civil engineering, among so many others), there is always the opportunity to choose better practices. No sector is exempt from this responsibility, and architecture holds a unique role: every project touches the ground, alters the landscape, consumes resources, and leaves […]

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Architecture

Building a House in Portugal: Stages, Permits & Costs

| MJARC

Building a house in Portugal is a major decision — and often one of the largest personal and financial investments of a lifetime. However, long before construction begins, or finishes and final aesthetics come into play, key decisions determine the success of the entire endeavor: purchasing the land, conducting urban planning feasibility studies, defining the […]

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Architecture

Global Warming and Cities: How Architecture Can Respond to Urban Heat

| Mjarc

At MJARC Arquitetos, we believe that today’s decisions dictate tomorrow’s future. Good planning and integrated solutions are not an optional extra — they are an indispensable condition for mitigating climate change and ensuring a better future for those who will inhabit, work, and live in the spaces we design. Global warming is no longer a […]

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Architecture

Multi-family Housing: Definition, Types, and Design Principles

| MJARC

Multifamily housing is an increasingly relevant solution in cities, both due to the need to increase housing supply and the importance of making better use of urban land, rehabilitating existing buildings, and creating more efficient, comfortable, and durable living spaces. For investors, real estate developers, or building owners with transformation potential, this type of project […]

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Architecture

Architectural Fees and the Cost of an Architect in Portugal

| MJARC

How Much Does It Cost to Hire an Architect? When planning a renovation or a new construction project, one of the first questions that arises is: how much does it cost to hire an architect in Portugal?Understanding how architectural fees are calculated is essential to define your budget and determine the ideal time to move […]

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Architecture

MJARC Architects at the Portuguese Architecture Webinar

| Mjarc

Architects Maria João Andrade and Ricardo Cordeiro, founding partners of MJARC Arquitetos, recently participated in the Portuguese Architecture Webinar promoted by Espaço de Arquitetura, an initiative that brings together professionals, students, and enthusiasts to debate relevant themes in contemporary architecture. Throughout the session, the studio’s founders shared the journey of MJARC Arquitetos, the principles guiding […]

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Architecture

Cicioso Boutique Hotel: Documentary on Architecture and Hospitality in Évora

| Mjarc

MJARC Arquitetos recently released a documentary dedicated to the Cicioso Boutique Hotel in Évora, continuing an audiovisual series that aims to reveal some of the most significant projects in the studio’s journey. Following the Douro Wood House, the first video in this series, the Cicioso Boutique Hotel emerges as the second chapter of a narrative […]

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Architecture

Building a Pool in Portugal: Legal Requirements and Property Tax (IMI)

| Mjarc

A swimming pool can completely transform how we experience a home. In addition to providing comfort, leisure, and well-being, it often represents a significant appreciation in property value. However, before starting any construction work, it is essential to understand the applicable legal framework and the necessary procedures to ensure everything runs safely, efficiently, and in […]

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Architecture / Efficiency / Exteriors

ARU and ORU Areas in Portugal: Tax Benefits, 6% VAT and Urban Rehabilitation Incentives in 2026

| MJARC

Portuguese cities possess a vast built heritage that, in many cases, needs to be recovered and adapted to modern demands for comfort, energy efficiency, and quality of life. To encourage this transformation, Urban Rehabilitation Areas (ARU) and Urban Rehabilitation Operations (ORU) were created. These instruments allow the coordination of urban interventions and create more favorable […]

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Architecture

Hospitality and Adaptive Reuse in the Hotel Industry

| Mjarc

Rehabilitation is no longer just an alternative to new construction. Today, it stands as one of the most relevant practices in contemporary architecture, especially in a time marked by the urgency of sustainability, the scarcity of urban land, and the need to preserve the identity of places. In the hotel sector, this approach takes on […]

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