Apartments and Commerce in Ribeira
- Renovation & Repurpose, Residential, Project & Construction
- R. de S. João, Porto, 2008/2011
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The Rehabilitation and Conversion into Apartments and Commerce in Ribeira takes place in an iconic building in the Historic Center of Porto. The property, with three urban facades, plays a predominant role in the overall image of Ribeira Square. It is also distinguished by the neo-Palladian style fountain attached to its south facade, designed by John Whitehead and completed in 1786. In 2000, the fountain received the statue of St. John, created by João Cutileiro, making the building one of the most photographed in Ribeira Square.
The Project The project rehabilitated the building, creating four apartments and reworking the existing street-level shop. Externally, the building preserved its original appearance, with discreet interventions to improve energy efficiency and thermal performance.TypologiesT0 Apartments: Three T0 apartments occupy the first three floors, facing S. João and Mercadores streets. T1 Duplex Apartment: On the 4th floor, this apartment has three fronts, including one overlooking Ribeira Square, and a balcony along the facade facing the Douro River, providing stunning views. The attic bedroom offers an even broader horizon.External InterventionsCleaning and replacement of damaged tiles; Replacement of windows with energy and acoustically efficient versions; Washing of exterior granites; Roof renovation with improvements in thermal performance; Internal Interventions Due to the irreparable degradation of the floor structure, the interior of the property underwent a profound change. This circumstance allowed for the introduction of an elevator, significantly increasing accessibility and comfort. The internal division of the apartments was planned to maximize the utility of the available areas, preserving and highlighting the pre-existing distinctive details that enhance the created spaces. Local Commerce The shop maintained its vocation for local commerce, being granted basement space to improve its functionality.