The best of modular housing

Always focused on sustainability, architect Saher Dwairy aims to redefine modular housing, ensuring customers have the best possible experience.

The Portugal News (TPN): Senmar MOD positions itself as “Modular On Demand.” What does this concept mean in practice, and how does it redefine the way people think about modular housing?

Saher Dwairy(SD): In the past, "modular" was often synonymous with "standardised," "limited," or even "temporary." At Senmar, we are flipping that narrative to address a critical global demand. Modular On Demand (MOD) is about shifting from a product-based mindset to a solution-based one.

In practice, this means we provide a sophisticated architectural framework that can be tailored to the client's specific needs, terrain, and lifestyle, without the delays of traditional "start from scratch" construction. We are redefining modular housing by proving that speed and industrial precision do not have to come at the expense of soul and customisation. It’s about delivering a bespoke architectural experience with the efficiency of a high-tech assembly line - directly answering the market’s need for high-quality housing now, not in three years.

Speed, cost efficiency, and quality are often difficult to balance in construction.

TPN: How does Senmar MOD manage to deliver projects up to 70% faster while maintaining high architectural and energy standards?

SD: The "Magic Triangle" of construction - speed, cost, and quality - is usually a series of compromises. We break that cycle through Off-Site Manufacturing (OSM) - the modules are being crafted with millimetre precision in a controlled environment.

This parallel processing allows us to hit that 70% faster mark. Because we build indoors, we eliminate weather delays and logistical friction. Quality is higher than traditional builds because we use rigorous industrial quality control that is simply impossible to achieve on a typical construction site. We aren't just building faster; we are simply building smarter.

TPN: From private houses to tourism and public buildings, Senmar MOD addresses multiple markets. What makes your modular system flexible enough to adapt to such different use cases?

SD: The secret lies in our versatility. We’ve developed a structural logic that works like "architectural DNA."

Whether it’s a high-end private villa, a boutique eco-resort, or a public facility, the core system remains robust and efficient.

By utilising high-performance timber frames as our structural core and leveraging advanced modular methods, we can seamlessly scale volumes to meet any demand while preserving the unmistakable Senmar aesthetic.

TPN: Design plays a central role in the Senmar MOD identity. How do minimalism and material choices contribute to the brand’s architectural signature?

SD: My philosophy for Senmar MOD is "Honesty in Materials." We don't hide the building's soul; we celebrate it. We use a palette of natural materials to create a dialogue with the Portuguese landscape.

Minimalism isn't about "less"; it's about eliminating the non-essential to make room for light and life. Through the strategic integration of high-performance triple-glazed windows, we maximise natural light and blur the line between the interior and the landscape while achieving rigorous Passive House standards.

This signature look - defined by clean lines, rhythmic structures, and organic textures - ensures that a Senmar MOD project not only looks fresh and modern but also serves a high-performance functional purpose.

TPN:Sustainability and energy efficiency are increasingly important for buyers and investors. How does Senmar MOD translate these values into measurable benefits, such as energy savings and return on investment within this project?

SD: Sustainability is no longer a luxury; it is the foundation of Senmar’s vision. We utilise passive design principles - optimised insulation, high-performance glazing, and natural ventilation - which drastically reduce the energy required to heat or cool the house.

For the investor, this translates to lower operational costs and a higher property value. Furthermore, the dramatically reduced waste from our off-site process results in a much lower carbon footprint. You aren't just buying a building; you’re investing in an asset that is "future-proofed" against rising energy costs and environmental regulations.

TPN: Looking ahead, how do you see Senmar MOD shaping the future of housing and construction, both in Portugal and internationally?

SD: We are at a turning point. The traditional construction industry cannot keep up with modern demand. I see Senmar MOD as the catalyst for a new era.

In Portugal, we are providing a concrete, high-design answer to the housing shortage. Internationally, we are setting a benchmark for how technology and architecture can merge. The future of housing isn't just about providing four walls; it’s about smart, sustainable, and beautiful spaces that can be delivered with certainty. We are building the new standard of living - one module at a time.

Senmar wants to give its customers the best in sustainability, always ensuring their customers' interests are taken into account.

For more information, make sure to visit www.senmar.pt/mod