Tabique buildings heritage in the Alto Douro Wine Region, Portugal

A comprehensive analysis of Tabique buildings in the UNESCO-listed Alto Douro Wine Region reveals that despite visible deterioration, these traditional timber-framed structures retain robust mechanical performance and structural integrity. The study, combining fieldwork, laboratory testing, numerical modeling, and statistical surveys, demonstrates that Tabique buildings exhibit satisfactory vertical load-bearing capacity, fire resistance, and thermal performance. However, it highlights a critical issue: current rehabilitation practices often involve the replacement of original timber systems with reinforced concrete or steel, which risks compromising heritage value. The research proposes a practitioner-oriented workflow for structural assessment and conservation, emphasizing the need for specialized preservation approaches that balance structural safety, regulatory compliance, and the protection of traditional construction techniques. This work provides a scientific foundation for sustainable interventions aimed at preserving the unique architectural legacy of the Alto Douro landscape.

Cardoso, R., Paiva, A., & Lanzinha, J. (2026). Tabique buildings heritage in the Alto Douro Wine Region, Portugal. Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers - Engineering History and Heritage, 179(2), 66–77. https://doi.org/10.1680/jenhh.25.00029