Bradco: The Luxury Factory in Portugal

Designing a Unique Industrial Unit with Local Characteristics

The inspiration for the Bradco project stemmed from the challenge of designing an industry that embodies the essence of Portugal. Renowned designers Cristina Vaz Santos and Paulo Rodrigues sought to create a factory that stands out through its use of local materials, seamless integration with the surrounding landscape, and an abundance of natural light.

Bradco, located in the municipality of Castelo de Paiva, is not your typical factory. It is a beacon of luxury production in Portugal, known for its distinctive features and collaboration with renowned brands. Unlike many industrial units, Bradco prioritizes ample natural light, creating a pleasant working environment for its employees.

The designers took great care in incorporating the surrounding landscape into the project. The factory seamlessly blends with its natural surroundings, thanks to the use of stone sourced from the region. This not only establishes a strong connection to the local territory but also adds a touch of authenticity to the design.

One of the key design elements of Bradco is the abundance of natural light. The designers strategically placed skylights on the factory roof, allowing sunlight to flood the interior. This not only enhances the working environment but also reflects the brand's commitment to transparency and openness.

With dimensions of 50,000mm wide, 76,000mm deep, and 125,000mm high, Bradco stands as an impressive structure that embodies both form and function. The factory's unique design and attention to detail have made it a standout in the industry.

Brasport, the parent company of Bradco, is a leader in the manufacture of luxury leather goods. The factory's production sites are responsible for crafting over two million watch straps and leather goods annually, catering to various market segments. In addition to manufacturing, Bradco also provides after-sales services, working closely with its branches and stores.

The Bradco project commenced in 2019 and was completed in 2020. The investment of over 3.1 million euros, with financing of more than 1.5 million euros, reflects the company's commitment to research, technological development, and innovation.

Bradco's design presented several challenges for the designers at EM Paralelo. Combining an industrial factory with a picturesque landscape was a creative feat. Representing Bradco in Portugal was a source of pride, as the designers contributed to the growth of the factory and the creation of new jobs.

The exceptional design of Bradco has been recognized with the Bronze A' Design Award in the Architecture, Building, and Structure Design category in 2022. This prestigious accolade celebrates designs that demonstrate resourcefulness, technical skill, and a commitment to improving quality of life.

Bradco, the luxury factory in Portugal, is a testament to the power of design to transform industrial spaces into works of art. With its unique features, integration with the landscape, and commitment to excellence, Bradco sets a new standard for industrial design in Portugal.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Cristina Vaz Santos e Paulo Rodrigues
Image Credits: Imagem nº 1: Fotógrafo Ivo Tavares, Bradco, 2020. Imagem nº 2: Fotógrafo Ivo Tavares, Bradco, 2020. Imagem nº 3: Fotógrafo Ivo Tavares, Bradco, 2020. Imagem nº 4: Fotógrafo Ivo Tavares, Bradco, 2020. Imagem nº 5: Fotógrafo Ivo Tavares, Bradco, 2020.
Project Team Members: Architect: Cristina Vaz Santos Architect: Paulo Rodrigues
Project Name: Bradco
Project Client: Cristina Vaz Santos e Paulo Rodrigues


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