Sustainability Report

Material selection and structural strategy

The structural system combines laminated timber frames with cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels manufactured by Portilame. Prefabricated Glass-Fibre Reinforced Concrete (GRC) cladding panels, manufactured by Betoncrete, enclose the external surfaces. Timber is used wherever the building lifts from the ground to reduce concrete use, contributing to a reported 40 percent CO2 reduction compared with an equivalent full-concrete structure.

Calculation methodology

The 40 percent reduction is based on a ratio that accounts for the emissions associated with concrete production and the carbon absorption of wood. It includes impacts from material production and transport. Operational energy modelling was carried out separately by the project’s mechanical engineer.

Prefabrication and sourcing distances

GRC panels are produced less than 150 kilometres from the site, reducing transport emissions and supporting regional industry. CLT panels from Portilame are sourced within northern Portugal. The prefabricated nature of both systems reduces on-site construction activity and associated emissions.

Using locally sourced schist, granite, and other stones reduces embodied carbon by limiting transport-related emissions.

Passive environmental control

The winery maintains a stable interior temperature of 14 to 16 degrees Celsius in the wine-ageing areas, despite exterior temperatures ranging from –5 to 45 degrees Celsius. Passive strategies support this performance:

• The southern envelope is placed in contact with the earth, taking advantage of its inertia.
• The main facade faces north to limit direct solar exposure, even in summer.
• The building’s stepped form supports a gravity-flow winemaking process.

Active systems and renewable energy

A low-enthalpy geothermal system produces, recovers, and stores electricity. This system works in combination with locally managed energy-production equipment that supports monitoring and energy savings. Although the initial investment is high, the system’s renewable capacity and low maintenance needs support short-term operational cost recovery.

Water systems and resource independence

The winery operates without a public water supply. Systems include rainwater harvesting, potable water from artesian boreholes, and water treatment and recycling for irrigation, cleaning, and firefighting. Permeable exterior surfaces return rainwater to agricultural use. These measures reduce operational water demand and associated indirect energy use.