Conversion of Workshop into Apartments
- Renovation & Repurpose, Residential, Project & Construction
- R. Fonte de Massarelos, Porto, 2013/2014
- Photography: JMF
The project converts an old workshop into a modern residential building with 6 duplex apartments. Located in the historic heart of the Massarelos Parish, this industrial building has been given new life by being remodeled and expanded for residential or tourist use.
Original State of the Building
The original property consisted of an industrial hall equipped with lathes, cutting tables, and other equipment, as well as small spaces for offices and restrooms.
The building, aged and with water infiltration issues, had little natural light and a backyard full of metal debris. The facade had only a narrow row of high windows.
Potential and Location
With a privileged location next to the Douro River, and close to important access routes such as Campo Alegre and the Arrábida Bridge, the building demonstrated enormous potential to be converted into quality housing. Its integration into the historic core of Massarelos and the proximity to public transportation reinforced this vocation.
The Conversion Project
The project aimed to convert the workshop into 6 duplex apartments, making the most of the existing walls and structures and benefiting from the high ceiling height.
The roof was raised, allowing for the construction of an additional half floor, increasing the usable area of the apartments and complying with current regulations.
Large openings were created in the facade facing Rua Fonte de Massarelos, ensuring abundant natural light.
Each apartment was designed similarly, with the kitchen and dining room, as well as a WC on the lower floor, while the bedroom, bathroom, and a closet are located on the upper floor.
The interior stairs occupy a double-height space next to the large windows of the facade, allowing natural light and ventilation without compromising the residents' privacy.
The significant level difference between the original floor and the street facilitated the creation of an access through the backyard, which now serves as a single entrance and distribution space for the apartments, ensuring their privacy and comfort.
Original State of the Building
The original property consisted of an industrial hall equipped with lathes, cutting tables, and other equipment, as well as small spaces for offices and restrooms.
The building, aged and with water infiltration issues, had little natural light and a backyard full of metal debris. The facade had only a narrow row of high windows.
Potential and Location
With a privileged location next to the Douro River, and close to important access routes such as Campo Alegre and the Arrábida Bridge, the building demonstrated enormous potential to be converted into quality housing. Its integration into the historic core of Massarelos and the proximity to public transportation reinforced this vocation.
The Conversion Project
The project aimed to convert the workshop into 6 duplex apartments, making the most of the existing walls and structures and benefiting from the high ceiling height.
The roof was raised, allowing for the construction of an additional half floor, increasing the usable area of the apartments and complying with current regulations.
Large openings were created in the facade facing Rua Fonte de Massarelos, ensuring abundant natural light.
Each apartment was designed similarly, with the kitchen and dining room, as well as a WC on the lower floor, while the bedroom, bathroom, and a closet are located on the upper floor.
The interior stairs occupy a double-height space next to the large windows of the facade, allowing natural light and ventilation without compromising the residents' privacy.
The significant level difference between the original floor and the street facilitated the creation of an access through the backyard, which now serves as a single entrance and distribution space for the apartments, ensuring their privacy and comfort.