Casal de Passos, a development built and promoted by Grupo Arliz, has been recognized as one of the best residential projects in Portugal. At the Expresso/SIC Notícias Real Estate Awards ceremony, held on the evening of November 5 in Leiria, the project secured a prestigious place on the podium in the “New Construction – Housing” category, reinforcing its quality and exclusivity.

Located on Travessa de Passos and surrounded by the charm of Foz do Douro — the most prestigious area of the city of Porto — the development consists of a residential block with ten units ranging from two- to four-bedroom apartments, as well as two exclusive villas with four and five bedrooms.

Designed by the renowned architectural firm of José Carlos Cruz, Casal de Passos reflects a distinctive approach to contemporary architecture, which has been key to the success of this Porto-based condominium. Originally a family estate of 6,400 m² dating back to the mid-18th century — comprising agricultural land, gardens, a main house, garage, greenhouse, storage house, chicken coop, water tank, and well, all enclosed by granite walls — the project involved the construction of a new residential building and a villa, as well as the rehabilitation of a pre-existing house with a palatial, castle-like style.

Three architects from José Carlos Cruz’s firm were challenged to design three different buildings that would make the most of the property while respecting its original characteristics. None of the architects were allowed to communicate with each other, yet the final result needed to function as a cohesive whole.

The outcome was the creation of a new residential block inspired by an Arab/Moroccan style — highlighted by hand-laid herringbone flooring, natural stone displayed as works of art, and ceramics produced and installed piece by piece, drawing inspiration from the Yves Saint Laurent Museum in Marrakech and Flamingo Estate in Los Angeles — alongside a new villa reminiscent of traditional outbuildings found on large estates, and the rehabilitation of the original 18th-century house with its palatial, castle-like architecture.

Casal de Passos is a distinctive development, conceived from the outset with differentiation in mind. As a result, it was featured in episode 50 of the program “Expresso Imobiliário” — previously known as “Espaços & Casas” — broadcast on SIC Notícias, SIC Mulher, and SIC Internacional.

Watch the episode at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bo5QmTtyWwE.

Last available three-bedroom units: www.grupoarliz.pt/casaldepassos | casaldepassos@arliz.co | +351 934 120 877 (national mobile network).