This residential and workplace project was commissioned by a couple of designers who chose Porto as the ideal location to raise their family. OITOO discovered a highly promising plot of land featuring a spacious backyard.
The original 19th-century building had been partially expanded with the intention of creating tourist apartments. However, the project was abandoned halfway through and remained unfinished for five years.
Despite this, the land itself offers significant advantages for new developments. There is ample volume and surface area to utilize, including the rare opportunity for a large backyard garden. Additionally, the property boasts three facades on what was originally a continuous street front. Part of the new building had already been constructed, and its effectiveness was carefully assessed to preserve as much of the existing structure as possible within the new project.
The new design seamlessly integrates family life and work dynamics under one roof, creating unique, complementary, and independent spaces. These areas can function as expansive living quarters or inspiring studios. The design team focused on fostering unity and coherence within the renovated building, aiming for a structure that respects its neighborhood context while maintaining its distinct character. This approach offers a thoughtful urban response to longstanding challenges.
Through strategic demolition, some recently added, abrupt structures were removed. The existing stone walls have been carefully preserved, along with most of the new concrete elements. The main challenge was to integrate these existing components into a cohesive and harmonious building design.
The first floor is dedicated to work and studio spaces, given its higher level of public interaction. A spacious living room on this level overlooks the garden and serves as a connecting hub between the work area below and the bedrooms above.
This project demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainability by reusing existing elements. It maximizes natural ventilation through the building’s facade and volume, employs sustainable materials for insulation and flooring, and incorporates a recycling system to collect and reuse energy and water resources.
Within the constraints of the existing conditions, the design team skillfully leveraged the project’s resources to restore and enhance the building’s quality.
Project Drawings
△ Original Image
△ Original Image
△ Original Elevation Drawing
△ Elevation Drawing
△ Elevation Drawing
△ Elevation Drawing
△ First Floor Plan
△ Second Floor Plan
△ Third Floor Plan
△ Plan View
△ Section Diagram
Project Information
Architect: OITOO
Year: 2024
Photographer: Attilio Fiumarella
Project Type: Residential
Location: Porto, Portugal
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