Walnut Factory by ARC Arquitectos: Sustainable Industrial Design in Évora, Portugal

The Walnut Factory, designed by ARC Arquitectos in 2022, is a state-of-the-art walnut processing facility located at Herdade das Atafonas in the Municipality of Évora, Portugal. Spanning approximately 11,000 m², this industrial complex was thoughtfully designed to meet stringent legal regulations while responding to the functional and geographic requirements of walnut production.

Triangular Layout and Central Courtyard

The design originates from a triangular reference shape mandated by local regulations. ARC Arquitectos embraced this constraint to create a triangular building layout centered around a courtyard, allowing for optimal natural ventilation, sunlight exposure, and efficient workflow. The courtyard serves as a central organizing element, facilitating the smooth circulation of workers and products while reducing the need for multiple exterior access points.

Functional Zoning and Workflow

The facility’s program was designed as a continuous and circular workflow, starting from the reception area, followed by the walnut drying zone, and ending with storage and dispatch. Special attention was given to the drying area, which is strategically positioned to take advantage of prevailing winds. Perforated walls and adjacent patios enhance natural airflow, improving drying efficiency while maintaining indoor comfort.

Adaptive Volumetry and Landscape Integration

The volumetric composition of the factory was carefully designed to respond to interior functional requirements, such as equipment height and product stacking, while minimizing visual impact on the surrounding agricultural landscape. By varying facade heights and incorporating inclined ledges, the building blends harmoniously with its environment rather than dominating it.

Materiality and Sustainability

To integrate with the local landscape, the exterior facade adopts a clayey appearance, harmonizing with the natural tones of Alentejo. Perforated walls, inspired by traditional Alentejo and Algarve architecture, provide controlled transparency for air circulation. The structure relies on prefabricated Vigobloco panels with double-coated pigmented concrete and thermal insulation, ensuring durability and energy efficiency. The interior floors feature mechanically sanded concrete, balancing practicality with aesthetics.

Architectural Significance

The Walnut Factory exemplifies a sensitive approach to industrial architecture, where functionality, sustainability, and landscape integration converge. It is an efficient, climate-responsive facility that prioritizes workflow optimization, worker comfort, and environmental harmony while creating a subtle architectural presence in Évora’s rural landscape.

All photographs are works of  Fernando Guerra | FG+SG