Casais Group Announces Major Milestone in €19 Million ISCTE-Sintra Student Residence and Tech Hub Project
The construction firm Grupo Casais, a major player in the Portuguese construction sector, has officially announced the completion of the first-floor assembly for the new ISCTE-Sintra University Student Residence. The project, a modern and sustainable infrastructure, is scheduled for completion and opening in March 2026. This development represents a significant step in addressing the student housing shortage in the greater Lisbon area.
The project specifications detail a total of 197 beds, which will be distributed across apartments of various typologies to accommodate different student needs. A key feature of the development is the inclusion of a Technology HUB, which is designed to create an integrated environment for startups, students, and the local community, fostering innovation and technological solutions. The architectural plans also confirm that the residence will include fully adapted units for students with reduced mobility, as well as integrated coworking zones and a direct connection to ISCTE's main IT servers. The location was chosen for its proximity to public transport links, libraries, and other cultural facilities in Sintra.
The construction timeline is proceeding as planned, with the March 2026 opening date marking a key deadline. The project is a collaborative effort involving multiple stakeholders. António Carlos Rodrigues, CEO of Grupo Casais, stated in the announcement, “This type of project reflects the Casais Group's purpose of creating lasting value for society. By developing modern, technological, and sustainable housing solutions, we are investing in the future of young people.”
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Financing for the €19 million development has been secured from multiple sources. The residential component, valued at €12.7 million, is being financed through Portugal’s national Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR). The remaining €6.2 million for the Technology HUB is funded by the Portugal 2030 program. This financial structure underscores the project's strategic importance at both national and regional levels. Key partners providing regulatory approvals and planning permissions include the ISCTE – Instituto Universitário de Lisboa, the Câmara Municipal de Sintra, and Sport União Sintrense.
A strong emphasis has been placed on environmental impact and sustainability. The project is targeting a Class A+ energy certification and a Class B circular economy certification. The design aims to reduce primary energy consumption by over 20% compared to the Nearly Zero Energy Building (NZEB) standard. Furthermore, construction methodologies incorporate the use of recycled materials, which are expected to constitute up to 20% of the total materials used. This aligns with a growing trend towards green building in Portugal.
The project is expected to have a significant local economic impact, not only through the construction phase but also by attracting a vibrant community of students and innovators to Sintra. The residence is designed to support a diverse student population, including scholarship holders, international students on mobility programs, and participants in summer courses. This development is one of several new build projects aimed at modernizing the region's infrastructure. Monitor new development opportunities at realestate-lisbon.com.