About us

ARION is a company dedicated to Project and Construction Management, specialising in Building Construction.

It operates mainly in Cascais, Sintra, Oeiras, Mafra, and Ericeira.

With the goal of delivering a superior service to the final client, ARION distinguishes itself through a comprehensive and responsible involvement from the initial design phase and project scope definition, through technical and financial coordination, up to the delivery of the final expected result.

With a particular focus on project management based on international standards, ARION ensures step-by-step verification of budget compliance and accomplish to established timelines, always aligned with Portuguese legislation and applicable norms for each project type.

ARION also brings advanced technical expertise and experience in the design and construction of Certified Passive House Buildings.
Supported by a team of experienced engineers, we continuously strive to improve our services by keeping up to date with technology, construction materials and finishes, as well as the regulatory and legal requirements relevant to each project.

We collaborate with other firms and companies through a solid network, forming a multidisciplinary team that is technically capable and efficient, able to respond to the specific demands of each project.

Our Mission is defined by the Design and Construction of buildings based on the most demanding construction standards, guided by the Passive House Standard, as we fully know the added value of the results when following this voluntary and rigorous reference.

Our Vision is to deliver a unique service in the Portuguese market, combining responsible and efficient management models with high technical performance and certified quality of the final product, grounded in a structured validation process throughout all stages of project development.

The name ARION stems from the founder’s origins, bringing with it a name that carries real meaning and purpose for the company’s activity. In Afrikaans, ARION means “the one who has energy”, a perfect fit for the commitment and dedication we bring to every project we undertake.

Arion, Engenharia e Construção Passive House

João Côrte
General Director

Graduated with a Bachelor’s and Licentiate degree from the Instituto Superior de Engenharia de Lisboa, João Côrte worked in various medium and large-scale companies in the Lisbon area, participating for nearly 10 years in major construction projects such as the Lombos Sports Pavilion, Hospital da Luz, Hotel Lisboa, VIP Grand Hotel, or Gil Vicente Secondary School.

With a supplementary Postgraduate Degree as a Senior Technician in Safety on Construction Sites, he has held positions including Construction Technical Director, Works Specialised Supervisor, Safety Coordinator, Project Manager and Coordinator, reaching Project Director in a Public Entity.

In 2015, he founded ARION, taking on various projects along the South Atlantic Coast of Portugal, and since 2020, expanding operations to the Greater Lisbon Region. Since then, through engineering project development and construction management, he has been involved in over 250 projects and 100 construction sites, in roles ranging from project management and coordination, technical direction or supervision of construction works, investor management or consultant. His extensive experience reflects not only his own professional breadth but also the need to adapt services to market demands.

Focused and motivated for Integrated Building Conception and Project Management, with a strong orientation towards international project and construction management standards (PMI), he completed a Postgraduate Degree in Project Management at the Instituto Superior de Gestão (Business & Economics School) in Lisbon, and is also a Certified Passive House Designer by the Passive House Institute.

Arion, Engenharia e Construção Passive House

Rui Magalhães
Technical Director

Rui Magalhães is a Civil Engineer, graduated from ISEL (Instituto Superior de Engenharia de Lisboa), with over 20 years of experience in the construction sector and a solid track record as Site Manager in demanding and diverse projects. Over the years, he has developed a clear vision: building better is both possible and necessary.

Passionate about innovation and sustainability, Rui specialised in high energy-efficiency construction and became a Certified Passive House Designer — one of the most demanding certifications worldwide in terms of building comfort and energy performance. His mission has been clear: to create healthier, more comfortable, and energy-efficient buildings, with less environmental impact and greater benefits for their occupants.

In his role as Technical Director, he brings a sharp eye for detail and leadership focused on quality, precision, and innovation. Every project is designed to meet the needs of today while being prepared for the challenges of tomorrow.