The Quinta de Adorigo Winery, located in the Douro region and designed by Atelier Sérgio Rebelo, received an outstanding set of distinctions at the World Architecture Festival (WAF) 2025, held in Miami from 12 to 14 November. The project collected two international awards and one Honourable Mention, standing out as one of the most celebrated entries of the event.
The three distinctions awarded were:
- Winner – The Best Use of Timber
- Winner – Production, Energy & Logistics
- Honourable Mention – Best Use of Natural Light
Among these recognitions, the “Best Use of Timber” award is especially significant, as it highlights the excellence in the use of wood as a central architectural element. This distinction is particularly relevant for PORTILAME, which was responsible for executing the structural timber component, directly contributing to the project’s technical quality and architectural identity.
The WAF international jury praised the exemplary way wood was used throughout the building, commending “the highly successful reinterpretation of historical and regional vernacular timber forms, responding sensitively to the site’s topography and context.” The use of timber was further highlighted for its ability to create “an inspiring, almost chapel-like atmosphere,” transforming the winery into a unique architectural experience.
The “Production, Energy & Logistics” award recognises the building’s functional performance and efficiency, while the Honourable Mention in “Best Use of Natural Light” emphasises the project’s mastery in harnessing natural light to enrich the interior spaces and strengthen the connection to the Douro landscape.
For PORTILAME, the “Best Use of Timber” award represents an international validation of its commitment to innovation, technical quality, and excellence in timber construction, showcasing the company’s ability to integrate advanced structural solutions into highly demanding architectural projects.
The World Architecture Festival is regarded as the world’s leading event dedicated to contemporary architecture, bringing together hundreds of projects from more than 60 countries each year. Its unique live judging methodology reinforces the rigour and prestige associated with the awards presented.
