The Holcim Foundation for Sustainable Construction sought out the best sustainable construction projects in Europe – and awarded the winners about a quarter millions Swiss Francs at the Awards ceremony in Geneva. In his address, Swiss Federal Councillor Joseph Deiss said that sustainability, which has a long tradition in Switzerland, is necessary in all aspects of life, and that economic and ecological priorities are no contradiction.

This work presents a successful integration of tectonic research and practice related experience. The project is commended for its ambitious effort to establish a common research platform between nations of the European Union, thus emphasizing the urgency of encouraging sustainable construction on a continental scale.

Located in Portugal, this project presents a successful merger of tectonic research and experience. The work deserves merit for the ambition to establish a common research platform between nations of the European Union, thus serving to draw attention to sustainable construction on a continental scale. Also important is the notion of an ecological architecture that can be transferred to a wide range environmental applications.