A Historical Gem in the Heart of Porto
The historic house, originally built in the mid-19th century for a Douro nobleman, stands as a testament to Porto’s rich architectural heritage. Over the decades, this iconic building has played host to a variety of roles, including a luxurious hotel for emperors, a bastion for resistance movements, the home of the Oporto Film Club, and even a driving school. Diana Barros Arquitectura’s project has transformed this multifaceted structure into a modern space for collective housing with commercial and service areas on the ground floor, blending the old with the new in a harmonious and respectful manner.
Preserving the Past
The renovation project by Diana Barros Arquitectura sought to honor the building’s illustrious history. The 19th-century facade, known for its meticulous woodwork and compositional rigor, remains a key feature. The building’s centerpiece, an incredible staircase that extends to the top floor and is crowned by a central skylight, continues to inspire awe and admiration. These elements, along with the decorative stonework and intricate carpentry, have been carefully preserved, maintaining the architectural integrity and historical value of the structure.
A Bold New Chapter
While the building’s history is rich and varied, its latest incarnation is no less daring. In an area dominated by tourist-centric developments, the decision to repurpose the building for collective housing stands out. The design approach embraced the tension between the grand scale of the original structure and the more intimate, domestic functions now introduced. The new elements feature an elemental design, accentuating the textures and colors of the materials, which highlight the contrast and complement the preserved historic features.
Functionality Meets Adaptability
The fundamental aim of the renovation was to create a cohesive and robust structure, functionally integrated yet adaptable for future uses. By preserving the organization of common areas and access points, as well as the original construction methods used in the slabs and central staircase, the project extends the building’s useful life. This careful attention to detail ensures that the building remains not just a relic of the past, but a living, breathing part of the community, ready to serve its inhabitants for another century and beyond.
Diana Barros Arquitectura’s renovation of this mid-19th-century Douro nobleman’s house exemplifies a delicate balance between preserving historical significance and embracing contemporary functionality. The project is a celebration of the building’s rich past and a bold step towards its future, ensuring that it continues to be a versatile and valuable asset to the community.
All images © by Ivo Tavares. Don’t hesitate to find other trending architecture and interior design projects on WE AND THE COLOR.
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