Ever walked by a place and thought, “Wow, what a transformation?” That’s exactly what Sandro Ferreira Arquitectura has achieved with Casa SA in Braga. This wasn’t just another building project. It was about breathing new life into an old, rundown space. What do you think about that kind of transformation? Pretty cool, right?
The team was working with a real challenge: a steep 10-meter slope between the street and the outdoor space. Imagine that! It’s a real architectural puzzle. But instead of seeing it as a problem, they saw it as an opportunity. They decided to maximize natural light in every apartment. How did they do it? They carefully designed the building to let the sunshine pour in, creating bright, spacious rooms. Think about how much more you’d enjoy living in a place like that, full of light.
Now, let’s talk about the facade. Have you ever seen a building that just catches your eye? Casa SA’s street-facing facade is a masterclass in design. It’s like a woven pattern of solids and voids, with carefully placed openings. This isn’t just about looking pretty; it’s about creating a dynamic relationship with the city. It’s an invitation, not a barrier, fitting the new structure into its urban context. It’s like saying, “Hello, neighborhood, I’m here!” Do you agree?
The building itself is spread across four levels. They kept circulation areas to a minimum, which maximized the usable space. It’s always great when you don’t need to waste space! The garage is tucked away at street level. This leaves the other levels to focus on living spaces. The first floor has two apartments, a T1 and a T2. They focused on connecting the inside with the outdoor patios. Just think about how amazing it would be to easily move from your home to your own little outdoor space. Would you like that?
The second floor is where things get exciting. It’s home to a T4 duplex’s social area. The architects wanted this space to feel connected to the outside, with a lovely sloped garden acting as the perfect backdrop for socializing. The materials used here are pure class, from the travertine to the walnut wood, with slate wall cladding going inside to the outside. The materials create a sense of continuity, making the rooms seem larger and more connected. I love it when things flow so naturally, don’t you? And the gradual transition to the upper outdoor area, with its steps and landings, is just gorgeous. It all culminates in a pool area. What an amazing addition to a home!
The top floor is set back from the street and houses the T4’s private area. The bedrooms are designed to look toward the garden and the pool, taking full advantage of the East-facing sunlight. Think of waking up every morning to that view. Just picture it, relaxing by the pool with the sun warming your face.
Casa SA, all in all, is more than just a residential building. It’s an example of innovative solutions and good design. It aims to create comfy, functional spaces to enhance residents’ well-being. It’s about crafting a place that’s not only beautiful but also perfectly adapts to our daily needs. Wouldn’t it be nice to live in such a thoughtfully designed place? It has a very human feel to it.
What do you think? Pretty impressive, huh? It makes you think differently about what a building could be, doesn’t it?
All images © by Ivo Tavares. Don’t hesitate to find more inspiring architecture projects from around the globe on WE AND THE COLOR.
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