FCC Architecture Firm has renovated and expanded an existing single-family residence in Porto by introducing exposed concrete volumes that align with the project’s intended design. With a primary focus on preserving and reinforcing the original buildings and surrounding gardens, this Portuguese architectural studio developed a plan to foster a harmonious dialogue between the old and the new. The final outcome is a seamless fusion of contemporary and traditional architectural elements, evident throughout both the exterior and interior of the ‘GC House’.
To achieve this, FCC Architecture demolished a portion of the original building on the northeast side, while preserving the volume along Padre Luis Carabul Street in Porto. “We aimed to protect and enhance the original architectural identity, encourage communication between new and old elements, and respect their differences,” the firm explained. This thoughtful balance between contemporary and traditional housing seamlessly adapts to the surrounding environment and enriches the spatial quality of the site.
The new addition features a cantilevered volume made of exposed concrete, which integrates indoor living spaces with the surrounding garden through expansive glass panels. The original structure has been adapted to meet contemporary architectural requirements, connected to the new volume by a glass corridor bridge. “Our goal was to update the building without destruction, respect the original without imitation, and highlight features consistent with modern interventions,” FCC Architectural Firm added.
Given the poor definition of Padre Luis Carabul Street, the architects chose to reinforce the project’s facade. The auxiliary volume at the building’s end has been preserved and extended along the street toward the original structure. This expansion completes the city frontage on this street while enhancing the backyard, which includes a garden, swimming pool, and outdoor leisure area.
Design Drawings
△ General Layout Plan
△ First Floor Plan
△ Second Floor Plan
△ Third Floor Plan
△ Roof Plan
△ Section A
△ Section B
△ Section C
△ Elevation A
△ Elevation B
△ Elevation C
△ Elevation D
△ Floor Plan Before and After Update
Project Information
Project Name: GC House
Architectural Firm: FCC Arquitectura
Lead Architects: Fernando Coelho, Ana Loureiro
Design Team: Fernando Coelho, Ana Loureiro, Sérgio Silva, Luís Vieira, Diana Teixeira
Total Construction Area: 828.90 m²
Building Footprint: 431.80 m²
Site Area: 963.90 m²
Location: Porto, Portugal
Owners: Gonçalo Vale and Clara Cunha
Structural Engineer: Engiwords – Consultants de Engenharia
Contractor: NVE – Engineering and Construction
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