For our Campo de Ourique campus, we have chosen ecological construction using solid wood, specifically favouring bio-sourced materials from renewable resources such as cross-laminated timber (CLT). Solid wood uniquely stores carbon rather than emitting it. The process of transforming wood into CLT and its transportation requires minimal energy, resulting in low CO2 emissions, thereby establishing timber construction as a model of sustainability. Beyond ecological benefits, solid wood offers superior insulation, soundproofing, and fire resistance compared to traditional building materials.

Originally pioneered by French engineer Pierre Gauthier in 1947 and first adopted by architect Jean Prouvé, CLT has since been refined by Swiss and Austrian industries since the early 1990s. This high-precision construction system is renowned for its environmental credentials, being made from 99% natural and fully recyclable materials. CLT not only enhances the aesthetic and functional appeal of buildings through the warmth and visual appeal of natural wood but also provides excellent insulation, soundproofing, and fire resistance.

One of the key advantages of CLT lies in its complete prefabrication in factory conditions. Integration of Building Information Modelling (BIM) with CLT enables flawless site preparation and facilitates a wide range of architectural designs. BIM combined with timber construction ensures rapid execution and high-quality outcomes.