Q1 2021

17 Q1 2021 BUILD ased in Porto, the small team at Alexandre Loureiro Architecture Studio have made a name for themselves based on excellence. Able to tackle projects of any size, type or scale, ranging from single-family homes to public buildings, their work is in high demand from small private investors in particular. Over the years, the team have acquired a deep knowledge on the traditional building methods of the region. The majority of their work is related to Urban Rehabilitation, with projects based in the traditional urban buildings of the area. No renovation or newbuild project can succeed without an intimate knowledge of the background and methodology that went into these properties, as there are many potential risks that could impact either the building or its surroundings. By understanding how things used to be done, the team have been able to specialise in the incorporation of the old and the new in each project. When it comes to finding work, the team often deal with small private investors either as a single-family owner or a real estate developer. The solutions are designed to be unique to their desires, meeting specific requirements. Work for institutional clients such as Municipalities is also part of the team’s work, and this comes either from recommendation from other clients or pitching on projects. When pitching, the team have the chance to really showcase their work, stretching the boundaries of Portuguese architecture. The nature of Alexandre Loureiro Architecture Studio is necessarily small. The team consists of only four people, which means each has an enormous amount of value. Everyone has their own role to play, but is capable of tackling a variety of tasks. The success of the firm so far has relied in everyone pulling together, combining their motivation and knowledge. 2020 has proven this to be an invaluable asset, with unprecedented challenges to face. If the team were not so strong, they would not be able to adjust to this new situation. While times are currently uncertain for many, the team at Alexandre Loureiro Architecture Studio are already involved in projects that should see completion by the end of 2021. With this momentum, they hope to build forward into new and bigger projects that will allow the team to consolidate their position within the market. The aim of Alexandre Loureiro Architecture Studio has always been to contribute to the development and elevation of the The Pride of Portugal Good architecture does not stand by itself. It’s part of a broader picture, a bigger canvas. The success of the team behind Alexandre Loureiro Architecture Studio is that they understand how to combine a rich heritage of design with a modern way of living. Named Portugal’s Architect of the Year, 2020 in BUILD’s rolling series focusing on Design and Build, we take a closer look at how this astonishing team has thrived in the last year. B Aug20486 architectural discourse, but the challenges of ever more strict regulations and bureaucratic administrative processes make this difficult. Such limitations increase the rise of impersonal and dehumanised architecture. The team aim, at every stage of development, to defy and bend the norms in order to render a more human scale architecture with profound respect towards the social and natural environment. Architecture is not just about the building, but how the building fits. This care and attention is why the team has achieved such success, with their passion for the field allowing them to commit to exciting ideas that have helped to revolutionise the industry. Contact: Alexandre Loureiro Website: www.alexandreloureiro.com