The existing building was a classified heritage small townhouse, located in the historic city center. Although it was fairly ruined, many ancient elements were still valuable, such as a fleur-de-lis stone wedge or a traditional chimney.
The project offered a lightful living to the medieval house, through the creation of an open plan and of a terrace facing the river. The house was given a completely exterior second floor, and both levels are connect through open stairs, double height volumes and zenithal light. Along with that, the old elements were integrated in the new house, such as the chimney that is now the exterior fireplace.
The material solutions were rooted in the collective memory of the site, giving priority to materials produced locally. The new double height living room has a traditional exposed reed ceiling; the floors are covered by handmade terracotta tiles; all carpenteries are painted solid wood; portuguese brown veined cream marble stone is used in stairs, bathroom and kitchen; the façades reverb the white strong sunlight with natural lime paint.
In result, construction meets the excellence of the ancestral southern features, in terms of atmosphere and simplicity.
