Mafra National Palace

NCREP was part of a multidisciplinary team of experts responsible for the heritage survey and consultancy of the external envelope of the National Palace of Mafra, a monumental Baroque architectural complex inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2019. The scope of work focused on the assessment of façades and roof systems, contributing specialist knowledge to support the conservation and management of this exceptional heritage site.

Client
Atelier in.vitro
Location
Mafra, Portugal
Year
2023
Photos
NCREP, AIV
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Process
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Concept & Challenge

Assessing the external envelope of a monument of this scale and complexity required a highly coordinated and heritage-sensitive approach. The challenge was to evaluate the condition and performance of façades and roofing systems while fully respecting the architectural, historical and cultural significance of a UNESCO World Heritage site.

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Approach & Methodology

The work involved detailed on-site surveys and inspections of façades and roofs, carried out within a multidisciplinary framework that included architects, conservators and other heritage specialists. The assessment focused on construction systems, materials and degradation mechanisms, supporting the identification of conservation issues, risks and intervention needs within a coherent and integrated diagnostic process.

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Solution & Results

The heritage survey and consultancy work provided a structured and informed understanding of the condition of the Palace’s external envelope. The conclusions supported the definition of conservation principles, intervention priorities and compatible strategies, contributing to a coordinated, technically robust and heritage-led approach to the long-term preservation of this outstanding World Heritage monument.

Contributing specialist insight to the conservation of one of Europe’s most remarkable Baroque monuments, through rigorous survey and heritage-sensitive consultancy.

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Gallery
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Testimonials

“Atelier in.vitro has been collaborating with NCREP on several built-heritage conservation projects, in a close, consistent, and ongoing working relationship.”

The rigour of the technical support, the sharing of knowledge, and the careful coordination between diagnosis and design have been decisive in supporting decisions, refining solutions, and responding consciously and responsibly to particularly demanding heritage contexts. The high level of dedication of the entire team also stands out, as well as the committed and rigorous way in which they face the challenges of each project, representing a clear added value to its development.

Joana Leandro Vasconcelos, Sócio-fundadora, Arquitecta, Atelier in.vitro, Portugal
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