From the existing

The 4-story building with two fronts and a yard was very degraded, largely due to the pathologies in the roofs and gutters.

However, it showcased peculiar characteristics, which we decided to work on to recover, preserve, and enhance, thereby qualifying and adding value to the final result.

Thus, the following stood out: the high quality, both aesthetic and constructive, of the interior carpentry, stairs, and handrails; the generous ceiling heights; the great interior brightness provided by the large skylight; and the elongated yard (typical of central Porto lots), with the ruins of the "greenhouse" at the back.

On the other hand, the large and bright exterior openings added potential to the design of comfortable and pleasant homes.

From the project

In the design of the apartments, the solutions found relied on the great quality of "era" details to enhance the building and enrich the created environments.

However, comfortable, functional, and sustainable solutions prevailed throughout the rehabilitation project.

As a result of the combination of the described criteria, the apartments in Álvares Cabral all turned out different: in the configuration of their spaces and their characterization; in solar exposure; in their relationship with the street and the surroundings; in the visual horizon achieved; and in their relationship with the courtyard and garden. Thus, each of the two levels of the yard was assigned to the two adjacent apartments.

The "greenhouse" was rebuilt and converted into a studio/bedroom.

The common stairs, providing access to various floors, were restored to their original appearance and brightened by the rehabilitated skylight.

The two balconies overlooking the yard, closed over time, were reopened and now serve as outdoor living spaces, complementing the adjacent rooms.

A balcony was inserted on the upper floor where there was previously a small roof between the street facade and the set-back floor.

This resulted in the offer of a spacious outdoor living area, adjacent to the living room and bedroom of the adjacent apartment. The apartment typologies are T1, T1+1, T2 with an exterior patio, T2 duplex, and T3 with a garden.

Thermal and acoustic comfort, as well as fire safety, were particularly addressed. Special attention was given to controlling and rationalizing energy costs throughout the year.

Rehabilitation and Conversion into Apartments, on Álvares Cabral Street

Related Projects