Modular Construction in Portugal: Analysis of Advantages, Structural Typologies, and Technical Challenges

Abstract

Modular construction has emerged as a promising alternative to traditional building methods in Portugal, driven by the need for faster, more sustainable, and economically viable solutions. This article critically analyzes the advantages, structural typologies, and technical challenges associated with this methodology. Through technical review and analysis of practical case studies, steel, precast concrete, CLT timber, and hybrid systems were evaluated based on criteria such as seismic resistance, sustainability, assembly time, and connection complexity. The results indicate that modular construction offers significant gains in efficiency, budget control, and environmental performance, especially when integrated with technologies such as BIM and factory automation. However, relevant obstacles remain, including cultural barriers, legislative gaps, logistical difficulties, and technical limitations specific to each structural typology. Cases such as the B&B Hotel in Guimarães demonstrate the potential of the modular approach, while projects like the one in Loures highlight the challenges of its implementation. The article concludes that, to consolidate modular construction in Portugal, it is essential to promote technical standardization, adapt financing models, and invest in structural innovation. The trend points to the growing use of steel and CLT in sustainable and seismic-resistant solutions, reinforcing the strategic role of modular construction in the future of Portuguese civil engineering.

Introduction

Modular construction has emerged as a fast, sustainable, and cost-effective alternative to traditional building methods, particularly popular in countries like the UK, Sweden, and the Netherlands. In Portugal, the sector is growing rapidly, with modular housing demand increasing over 200% between 2024 and 2025. This growth reflects changing attitudes among stakeholders but is accompanied by challenges related to structural performance, regulations, and logistics.

The article analyzes the potential of modular construction in Portugal through a technical review of structural typologies—steel, precast concrete, cross-laminated timber (CLT), and hybrid systems—evaluating criteria such as cost, seismic resistance, sustainability, and assembly complexity. It also considers relevant Eurocodes, modern technologies like BIM, and real case studies including a hybrid timber-concrete hotel and a social housing pilot project.

Key advantages of modular construction include:

• Faster construction (up to 50-60% time reduction)

• Better cost control and predictability

• Environmental benefits through material choice and waste reduction

• Architectural flexibility and adaptability

• Integration of advanced technologies (BIM, automation)

Each structural type has specific benefits: steel offers high strength and seismic resilience; precast concrete provides durability and fire resistance; CLT is lightweight and sustainable; hybrids optimize performance by combining materials.

Challenges to widespread adoption in Portugal involve:

• Cultural resistance and misconceptions about modular quality

• Financing difficulties due to valuation uncertainties

• Lack of specific national regulations and licensing delays

• Logistical complexities in transport and precise assembly

• Limited specialized labor outside major cities

The article concludes that addressing these technical, regulatory, and cultural obstacles is crucial for modular construction to become a mainstream and sustainable building approach in Portugal.

Conclusion

The analysis developed throughout this article allows us to conclude that modular construction represents a technically viable, economically competitive, and environmentally sustainable solution for the construction sector in Portugal. Its growing adoption, driven by technological advances and the need for faster and more efficient responses to housing demand, confirms its potential as a solid alternative to traditional construction. The viability of modular construction in the national territory is increasingly evident, as demonstrated by the success cases analyzed. However, its consolidation requires a structural transformation in the sector, including: • Legislative and regulatory adaptation: There is an urgent need to create specific technical standards for modular systems, as well as to standardize licensing criteria across municipalities. This regulatory clarity is essential to reduce legal uncertainty and speed up approval processes. • Restructuring of financing models: Banks and property appraisers must adapt their criteria to the reality of industrialized construction, recognizing the value and durability of modular buildings. Without such recognition, many economically viable projects will continue to face credit access barriers. • Investment in technology and structural innovation: The development of more efficient, resistant, and easy-to-assemble connection systems is fundamental to ensuring the safety and durability of modular structures. Applied research, combined with digitalization (BIM, automation, smart monitoring), will be decisive for the sector’s evolution. • Trend toward the use of sustainable and seismic-resistant materials: The increased use of steel and CLT timber structures reflects a clear commitment to lightweight, recyclable solutions with good seismic performance. When integrated into hybrid or mixed systems, these materials help optimize both the structural and environmental behavior of buildings. In short, modular construction has the potential to redefine the landscape of civil engineering in Portugal. To realize this potential, a joint effort is needed among designers, manufacturers, regulatory bodies, and developers. Only then will it be possible to overcome current challenges and transform modular construction into a common, efficient, and valued practice in the national market.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 J.M. Gouveia, J.T.S. Pereira. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.