Category: Architecture

Architecture / Efficiency / Exteriors

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

| geral@wevolved.com

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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Architecture

MJARC Arquitetos wins Porcelanosa Award with Douro Wood House

| Mjarc

MJARC Arquitetos was distinguished with the “Architectural Project of the Year” award at the 17th edition of the Porcelanosa Architecture, Interior Design and Real Estate Development Awards, held at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid. The award was given to Douro Wood House, an architectural retreat located in the heart of the Douro Valley, in […]

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Architecture / Efficiency

2026 ADENE Fees: Energy Certificate Costs in Portugal

| geral@wevolved.com

ADENE fees are the registration value of the energy certificate in the SCE Portal. For residential buildings, reference values range from €28 to €65 + VAT; for commerce and services, from €135 to €950 + VAT. In Portugal, the energy certificate is an essential document for owners, investors, and buyers who intend to sell, lease, […]

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Architecture

Guide 2026: The Best Architecture Universities in Portugal and Worldwide

| Mjarc

To support you on this academic journey, we have gathered the best architecture universities in Portugal and internationally. This selection is based on the latest edition of the respected QS World University Rankings by Subject Architecture & Built Environment, which evaluates architecture education according to key indicators such as academic reputation, employer reputation, research citations, h-index […]

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Architecture

Green View Tower receives Special Mention at Architizer A+Awards 2026

| Mjarc

The Green View Tower project, developed by MJARC Architects in Covilhã, has received a Special Mention at the 2026 Architizer A+Awards in the Unbuilt – Multi-Unit Housing (L >10 Floors) category. The distinction recognizes the architectural and urban ambition of an intervention that transforms a structure abandoned for over 50 years into a new residential […]

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Architecture

Comporta: Architecture, Landscape, and Territory

| Mjarc

Contemporary architecture in sensitive territories demands a delicate balance between technical innovation and absolute respect for nature. In this article, we explore how architecture must silently integrate into the Alentejo coastal landscape, analyzing a practical case study conducted by MJARC at Herdade da Comporta. Through rigorous environmental surveying and the application of passive and biophilic […]

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Architecture

How Much Does it Cost to Build a House in Portugal in 2026?

| Mjarc

In 2025–2026, building in Portugal is no longer just about the price per sqm; it has become a matter of risk management. This fluctuation is not arbitrary—it stems from concrete factors that a well-executed architectural project anticipates and controls. This article explains what determines the cost, what is excluded from the construction price, and why […]

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Architecture

Urban Rehabilitation in Porto: ARU, 6% VAT, and Available Incentives (2026)

| Mjarc

Do you own a property in Porto and are thinking about rehabilitating it? You’ve probably heard about the 6% VAT or IMI exemptions for rehabilitation works—but understanding exactly what you are entitled to, and under what conditions, is not always simple. This article explains, with accuracy and accessible language, the set of tax benefits available […]

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Architecture

How Long Does a Building Permit Take in Portugal? 2026 Guide

| Mjarc

“When can I start building?” This is probably the question we hear most often in initial contacts with clients. It is also one of the hardest to answer exactly—because the response depends on the type of work, the municipality, the project submitted, and factors that are not always under the developer’s control. This article explains, […]

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