Visit to the Macedo house construction site in Cascais
The site visit to the Macedo house in Cascais provided a clear view of the significant progress of the works, with the rough construction phase now completed. At this stage, the building’s volume is already well defined, making it possible to understand the spatial organization of the different areas and the relationship between the house and its surrounding context.
One of the most striking aspects of this project is its structure entirely built in reinforced concrete, which gives the building a high level of robustness, durability, and seismic resistance. This construction choice reflects a strong commitment to structural quality and long-term performance, while also allowing considerable architectural freedom in terms of form and openings.
The structural system was executed using ICF (Insulated Concrete Forms), a construction method that consists of modular blocks made of insulating material (typically expanded polystyrene) that act as permanent formwork for the concrete. These blocks are stacked and interlocked to form the walls and are then filled with reinforced concrete. After the concrete is poured, the system remains in place, providing both structural support and thermal and acoustic insulation for the building envelope.
This method offers several advantages, including excellent energy efficiency, reduced thermal bridging, faster construction time, and improved quality control. In the Macedo house, the use of ICF contributes not only to the building’s thermal performance but also to the solidity and continuity of its reinforced concrete structure, demonstrating a contemporary and technically advanced approach to residential construction.
Overall, the project shows a high level of precision in execution and a clear focus on durability and efficiency, pointing toward a final result of great quality, both from a construction and architectural perspective.
