Highly improving the quality of life of 7,500 people with one project

A large district in the Oporto metropolitan area, built in the 1980s, had become host to a concentration of social issues. To avoid demolition, while combatting energy poverty, a retrofit to enhance resource efficiency was necessary. With a focus on social cohesion, community amenities and resource efficiency, this project aims to support social and built environment improvements, while mitigating the risk of gentrification. Funded through an urban rehabilitation policy promoted by the Portuguese government (80% ERDF), the project led to energy efficiency which enabled energy savings of up to 42%. This was made possible through insulation of facades, roofs, windows and more. By preserving much of the built form, the site and district history was celebrated. The facades and roofs rehabilitation solutions improved the buildings’ comfort, image and resource efficiency. Energy consumption now averages 75 kW/h per year. All efforts were undertaken in close collaboration with residents. A local development agency was created whereby residents were supported with information on employment, education, housing, health, sexuality, drug addiction, family planning, home management, domestic violence prevention, recreational and sports activities and citizenship. Resident engagement led to the construction of a municipal pavilion, a sports center, swimming pools and a kindergarten/1st cycle school. A subway line to Vila d'Este is also scheduled to begin in 2019 and to be completed by 2021