Uruguay’s AEC sector projects itself to the world with a prominent presence at REBUILD Madrid 2025

Madrid became the epicenter of architecture and sustainable construction innovation by celebrating REBUILD 2025. In this eighth edition of the event, which is already a benchmark in Spain and Europe, a delegation of nine Uruguayan companies from the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) sector played a prominent role, driven by a joint initiative between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Uruguay XXI, the Uruguayan Chamber of Architecture and Engineering Services (CUSAI), and the Uruguayan Chamber of Construction (CCU).

A space for international projection

Barbot Ingenieros, Estudio Ese, GEA Consultores Ambientales, Habitar Arquitectura, Ingenium, Plannbau, Sabyl Constructora, Tatú Arquitectura, and Taetech were among the firms that traveled to Madrid in search of business opportunities and valuable contacts. Uruguay’s country stand at REBUILD was not only the meeting point for the delegation but also a showcase for the country’s capabilities as a trading partner in the sustainable construction sector.

The event featured a packed agenda of conferences and workshops at the National Congress of Advanced Architecture and Construction 4.0. Leading international architects such as Carlo Ratti, Andrew Waugh, Dominique Perrault, and Massimiliano Fuksas were among the main speakers, addressing issues such as energy efficiency, methodologies such as BIM, and the use of artificial intelligence to optimize projects.

Uruguayan voices at REBUILD

Nathalia Bichino from Teatech highlighted the importance of Uruguay’s collective presence at the stand. “Being grouped under a country stand provided a very significant added value. It was enriching to share the space with a diverse group of companies from the construction sector, which not only enhanced the individual visibility of each one but also allowed us to generate synergies and exchange experiences throughout the fair,” she said.

For his part, Rafael Perolo, from GEA Consultores, emphasized the business opportunities they identified. “Our main objective in participating in REBUILD was to learn about the Spanish market in terms of construction systems, materials, and equipment, with a focus on sustainability and new regulatory considerations. This objective was more than achieved,” he said.

Innovation and sustainability in the spotlight

The European market showed strong demand for industrialized construction and energy efficiency, aligning with Uruguay’s capabilities in terms of its energy matrix based on renewable sources. In addition, the fair served to learn about the latest trends in BIM methodology and the use of artificial intelligence applied to construction, areas in which the country is also making progress.

“The main lesson learned was the importance of keeping in constant motion and contact with international players, both to generate opportunities abroad and to strengthen our position in the local market,” Bichino said.

He also underscored the importance of participating in international trade shows such as REBUILD. “Participating in these trade shows is essential for Uruguayan companies, as it allows them to access global trends, learn about new technologies, and establish key contacts in the sector. It also strengthens the country’s image as a provider of quality services and provides a platform for companies, especially small and medium-sized ones, to showcase their potential to the world,” he said.

A firm step towards internationalization

Participation in REBUILD 2025 represented an invaluable opportunity for Uruguayan companies, not only for the possibility of doing business but also for learning and international visibility. Perolo says, “It allows us to showcase Uruguay’s professional capacity to provide services at a global level.”

“Uruguay has an excellent reputation abroad for the capacity and quality of its professionals. Today, the vast majority of architecture and engineering services can be provided remotely or in a hybrid format without losing quality or level of service, so this is an aspect that we must continue to explore and expand as a sector,” he said.

Bichino agreed with the assessment of human capital, given its technical and university training, and also considered that participation in international promotion events helps to highlight this potential and facilitates access for national companies—especially SMEs—to new business and collaboration opportunities at the global level.

With initiatives like this, Uruguay reaffirms its position as a strategic provider of high-value-added services in architecture, engineering, and construction, consolidating itself as a reliable and competent partner internationally.

Learn more about Uruguay’s AEC sector here.