“This building is thus an explicative example of how, the private initiative resolving its housing needs, can represent an important contribution for urban rehabilitation”, say the members of Aurora Arquitectos, a studio based in Lisbon. Here, an old building located in a small plot of land - an unattractive one to the interests of large real estate groups - is transformed into a private residence capable of accommodating a family of five people strongly rooted in the life of the Alcantara district.
Originally articulated on two floors, the pre-existing unit is increased by a further three levels, bringing the height of the house back to that of the adjacent building. The integration with the context does not seek a vernacular mimicry, but highlights a respectful dialogue between old and new that is revealed in the design of the new windows, made in correspondence with the old and yet larger, or in the partial restoration of some local architectural elements, such as the tiles in the lower part of the facade.
Inside, the ordinary articulation between the living and sleeping areas is overturned, locating the bedrooms near the entrance and the living area on the upper floors, so as to benefit from greater brightness and the view of the Tagus. The stairs are entrusted with the task of emphasizing this crescendo: if the detail of the recessed wooden handrail accompanies the movement from the lower to the upper floors, a metal grille takes hold in the last flight, while a pole imposes itself as an alternative possibility of descent, emphasizing with liveliness and lightness the intercommunication between the different areas of the house.
- Location:
- Lisbon
- Architects:
- Aurora Arquitectos
- Program:
- Single unit house
- Area :
- 229 sqm