Fragmentos is an architecture studio with extensive experience in various projects. To start, could you tell me a bit about its history and philosophy?
Fragmentos is a collective of creative architects and engineers, with specialized departments in interiors, sustainability, and communication. Throughout the year, we focus on training and sharing knowledge in the “Fratalks” we organize. Fragmentos began with the desire of three friends to create good architecture, and today, after 30 years, we have grown to more than 60 members. We are many, but always with a focus on creativity and excellence. Clients recognize the quality of our work, which is crucial as they return to us.
The Green Plaza Carcavelos project is innovative and ambitious. How did the opportunity to work on this project arise?
The Green Plaza Carcavelos project started like many others, with the client approaching Fragmentos to study an urban project on a plot of land divided into three parcels. These parcels had previously been the subject of an old development plan, although no construction had taken place, the land had already been designated for municipal purposes. This resulted in irregularly shaped parcels, posing challenges for the project.
What was the main inspiration behind the design of Green Plaza?
The project started typically, with the client briefing us, conducting a careful analysis of the territory, and studying the best program. Fragmentos has extensive experience in design, construction, project management, and building maintenance, which are crucial contributions in the initial phase to arrive at the ideal program and concept. The project development goes through several phases, but assembling the program and concept are among the most important. Urbanistically, we had neighboring buildings with different heights and realities that we needed to correct and better integrate with our proposal. Our building is significant for the Cascais municipality, so it was essential to meet with the urban planning department to present our solution and reach a joint agreement. Urban planning was considering whether Loureiro Road (to the north) would become pedestrian-only, so we had to consider access constraints.
Who is the Green Plaza Carcavelos aimed at?
It is aimed at families, offering apartments of various sizes. Initially, it was a mixed-use project, with shops on the ground floor and residential units above. However, the neighboring commercial project Legrant prompted us to adapt the program to a purely residential one, offering apartments with various layouts.
Green Plaza Carcavelos offers a variety of apartment typologies. What are the main features that make them unique?
The project stands out in terms of real estate appreciation for several reasons. Firstly, we optimized and maximized the residential space, providing a greater number of apartments with excellent living conditions, solar exposure, and privacy. Considering the building’s layout, where the facades of the two structures are joined forming an angle of approximately 90°, we carefully studied the distribution of typologies throughout the building. This resulted in creating apartments with different living arrangements, some with private gardens, spacious balconies, and even private rooftop pools.
Furthermore, the special dynamic of the building, achieved through small movements in the exterior facades and balcony volumes, gives it a unique and attractive character. The main entrance is located on the North facade, predominantly where the bedrooms are situated, with the window openings organized in an almost random manner, attempting to add some movement to this facade, contrasting with the South-facing facades.
In what ways does the project stand out in terms of real estate appreciation?
