Architecture at Zero is a competition to promote ZNE (Zero Net Energy) Architecture projects, in other words buildings whose energy needs are fully assured by their own production of electricity through renewable energies.

In 2012 it was proposed the creation of a student residence or an office building for the University of California in Merced.

One of the winning projects was Cactus, developed in the city of Oporto by the team who joins the Japanese Architect Ren Ito.

Japanese architect Shigeru Ban has been announced as the 2014 Laureate of the Pritzker Prize, the most prestigious award for the profession, widely regarded as "the Nobel Prize" in architecture.

The citation from the Pritzker Prize jury underscores Ban’s experimental approach to common materials such as paper tubes and shipping containers, his structural innovations, and creative use of unconventional materials such as bamboo, fabric, paper, and composites of recycled paper fiber and plastics.

A total of 19 Portuguese projects were nominated for the European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture Mies van der Rohe, released on 16 December.

A total of 420 projects were selected, from 36 countries, most of which coming from Spain, with 35 nominations.

Check out the nominated Portuguese projects.

Quality, innovation and design: “The perfect appliances for the perfect home!” – this is the motto from the notoriety campaign that AEG has just launched in Portugal through a partnership with designer Maria Barros.

The designer will work as a specialist consultant for the brand, participating in a few initiatives for consumers, by answering their questions, doubts about decoration, design or choosing the perfect appliance at the AEG website. 

Artebel has developed Freebloco® so construction works become faster and with less need of using power tools.

In addition to providing sound insulation up to 40 dB, the Freebloco ® provides a faster and more efficient building system, with high profitability in the laying, using 80% less laying mortar compared to traditional masonry.