Infinity
Infinity in Lisbon, Portugal stands as an impressive legacy to architectural excellence. Under the strategic guidance of Vanguard Properties, led by Dr. José Cardoso Botelho, and with the brilliant vision of architect Miguel Saraiva, CEO and lead architect at Saraiva + Associados, Infinity emerges as an icon of innovation that significantly enriches Lisbon's urban space. Vertical, contemporary, and boasting an all-embracing aesthetic, it leaves a remarkable imprint on the city’s skyline. It is a collective achievement that Reynaers Aluminium is proud to be part of.
Infinity, recently awarded as the Best Residential Real Estate Development at Portugal’s Real Estate Exhibition – SIL 2024, boasts unique features including exclusive artwork by the renowned Joana Vasconcelos and high-quality materials and amenities. A remarkable journey that traces back to 2016.
A challenging location
The site where Infinity was erected presented unique challenges due to its proximity to the railway line, a network of viaducts, and the air traffic flying over the city. However, Vanguard Properties considered these factors as an inherent challenge to create a high-rise building in Lisbon, given that regulatory limitations make opportunities for building vertically very scarce, and the available floor areas in the city are typically reduced. Building towards new heights and generous living areas, along with the breathtaking views, led to the belief that something truly special could be created.
"It was a challenging plot of land, in a challenging location. We thought it was interesting to evaluate the possibility of creating a different building, taking advantage of its height, creating common spaces of generous and very distinctive areas."
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José Cardoso Botelho
Architect Miguel Saraiva embraced these challenges with a design that blends the building with the skyline and its surroundings, while taking advantage of Lisbon's extraordinary views and light.
"I had the perfect notion that a good project would transform the place. Normally, it is the other way around: a good location inspires a great project. Here, a great project - and that was Vanguard's ambition from the beginning - transformed the location.”
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Miguel Saraiva.
The concept
From an architectural perspective, the Infinity Tower is a remarkable work that stands out from various perspectives and different angles. The pronounced verticality is balanced by the curved geometry in the shape of a three-leaf clover. Another detail - which may go unnoticed at first glance - contributes to the harmony of the whole: the "carving" on the façade of the double ceiling duplex apartments, only one per leaf of the clover, proves the value is in the details.
The building is standing alone and detached, gaining a three-dimensionality that would not otherwise be possible. The tower reveals itself quite well connected to the surrounding urban environment. Each of the three "clover leaves" provides different and distinctive views. One facing Avenida de Ceuta, with panoramas ranging from the river to the sea; another facing Monsanto Park, which, especially in the highest apartments, suggests floating over an expansive sea of green. The third section is oriented towards the city, revealing the extraordinary view over the city liveliness that, at night, becomes magical.
Featuring two pools and a well-equipped gym, the complex offers amenities truly unique and comparable to the best hotels in Lisbon. From the outset, the design included balconies for all apartments and common areas on the ground floors—a signature feature of Vanguard's projects whenever possible—along with dynamic areas for work and meetings. This model, popular in major world capitals, is still relatively unexplored in Portugal. This longstanding premise of private open-air spaces and dynamic common areas has proven astute, particularly with the lifestyle and work changes brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, when Infinity was already being constructed at a good pace.
The BIM methodology employed by Saraiva + Associados yielded even greater benefits during this period, reducing unnecessary interactions at the construction site and streamlining operations. Moreover, there were no significant technical issues, which often result from project incompatibilities that are typically addressed only after construction has begun. Additionally, with the help of this 3D modelling technology, all stakeholders felt more at ease in the decision-making process.
Facade innovation
From end to end, the building's façade is predominantly glass, interrupted by horizontal elements in GRC, which break the glass façade, thereby introducing an element that contrasts with its verticality. The building takes on different lives throughout the day, influenced both by the variation in sunlight and the shadows cast. At night, as the apartments are not simultaneously lit, it creates a fantastic visual effect of suspension in the sky.
However, the innovative design and location of the building brought challenges for the glazed envelope, particularly regarding acoustics and resistance to wind loads. To mitigate exposure to noise, which was intended to be RAtr < 40 dB, the specifications included heavy glass weights. At about 180 kg for each vent, the glass panes required an aluminium solution that could support the high weight, ensure reliable mechanical behaviour, and boast a minimalistic look at the same time.
To address these challenges, Reynaers Aluminium developed a project-specific Hidden Vent opening solution, barely perceptible from the outside, mastered by Martifer, the fabricator for Infinity Tower. The opening elements were extensively tested above 20,000 opening/closing cycles. The passage of noise from one fraction to another was also heedful, as the floor-to-ceiling windows, which are continuous horizontally, provide a peaceful indoor climate.
Next, the significant exposure to wind loads was a primary concern. The robust, aluminium custom-designed system can withstand wind loads of up to 3100 Pa, equivalent to wind speeds of about 256 km/hour, akin to the force of a hurricane. This precautionary measure also enhances security in case of a potential wind tunnel effect, when two crossed windows are left open. The user experience was optimized with a logical operating mechanism that allows opening and locking at 150 mm, the ideal width to let in a fresh breath of air. Only in the second position does the balcony window open completely, granting access to balconies or terraces. As for thermal efficiency, virtually all units of the building were classified as A+, while the BREEAM Very Good label highlights the sustainable building practices.
Curved glazing
From a technical perspective, the curved glazing at the building's edges brought additional challenges. A total of 225 curved elements, each weighing up to 300 kg, required extra attention due to the inherent transom inertia. Moreover, installation from the inside was not possible, which is why these curved elements were lifted from the outside, along the 26 floors of the building. Challenges that proved worthwhile as this feature greatly enhances the living experience. “For those inside, it is an incredible experience. It was an added investment, but it was a good decision” says Cardoso Botelho.
A collective achievement
At Reynaers Aluminium we always work Together for better. The partnership with the fabricator was marked by a great synergy of efforts. As Eng. Jorge Rosário, leading the project at Martifer, highlights: “It could not be any other way in a project of this scale.” While the elements had been tested by Reynaers Aluminium in advance, it was important for Martifer to re-assure their behaviour in connection with the opaque elements. Consequently, the company successfully conducted laboratory tests for the window and opaque envelope assembly. On-site, Martifer employed an average of 35 people, increasing to 50 during peak times. Their methodical approach and highly professional attitude were heartily appreciated by both Vanguard and Saraiva + Associados.
For José Cardoso Botelho, delivering greater value than promised in the pre-sales phase embodied the trust that underpins Vanguard’s purpose. “Overcoming the expectations of those who, from the very beginning, believed in Infinity to be their future home or as an investment, yields an enormous sense of accomplishment for Vanguard”. Or as architect Miguel Saraiva puts it: "The greatest pride lies in the satisfaction of the people who inhabit Infinity and in the overall appreciation of the community."
Infinity has become a source of great pride for all who participated in it, representing a milestone of collective achievement. It is as if a positive chemistry has driven everyone to bring to life what will stand as an innovative and enduring landmark in Lisbon, resisting the test of time for generations to come.
