Sustainability Report

Yes, adaptive reuse and long-term flexibility were fundamental pillars in the design of Casa Maio. The 'afterlife' of the project was considered through two main strategies:

1. Structural Adaptability and Fluidity: The renovation didn't just solve a current need for a 2-bedroom/2-bathroom layout in a compact 62sqm footprint; it established a clear distinction between the 'permanent' historic envelope and the 'flexible' internal partitions. By stripping back the original masonry and using it as a textured, raw backdrop, we created a timeless shell. The smart layout is designed so that the secondary bedroom or the study area could easily be integrated back into the living space or repurposed as a professional studio/home office, thanks to the strategic placement of services and dual exposure that ensures light in every corner.

2. Preservation as a Future Asset: The core of the project—the 'Cementine game'—is a form of adaptive reuse in itself. By recovering and repositioning the original tiles as decorative 'carpets' within a contemporary floor, we ensured that the historical DNA of the apartment remains intact. This approach makes the property resilient to changing trends: the floorplan is optimized for modern high-density living, but the quality of materials and the reversibility of certain aesthetic choices allow the space to evolve into different programs (such as a high-end short-term rental, a professional workspace, or a flexible home for a growing family) without requiring further structural demolition.

In essence, Casa Maio is designed to be 'future-proof': it maximizes the value of every square meter today while maintaining the architectural integrity needed for the transformations of tomorrow.

Yes, several elements in a project like Casa Maio are designed to be "deconstructible" rather than "demolishable," allowing them to circulate back into the value chain. This approach is known as Design for Disassembly (DfD).

1. Dry Construction Systems

The use of non-load-bearing internal partitions (like plasterboard/drywall) is a key circular strategy. Unlike traditional brick-and-mortar walls, these are assembled using metal studs and screws.

• Circular potential: At the end of the project's life, these panels can be unscrewed and the metal profiles can be 100% recycled or reused in a new configuration.

2.Modular Furniture and fixtures

As seen in the kitchen and storage areas of Casa Maio, modern cabinetry and suspended sanitaryware are typically fixed mechanically (with brackets and bolts) rather than being built-in or glued.

• Circular potential: These elements can be detached without damage and relocated to a different apartment or sold on the secondary market, extending their lifecycle significantly.

3. Mechanical Fastenings vs.adhesives

The circularity of a project often depends on the connection method. By prioritizing screws, bolts, and clips over glues and permanent resins:

• Lighting and HVAC: Components like the recessed LED strips or the AC units can be easily upgraded or removed for parts without destroying the surrounding ceiling or walls.

• Windows and Doors: If installed with mechanical sub-frames, they can be removed and refurbished rather than becoming construction waste.

4. Historic Material salvage (the cementines)

Casa Maio itself is a testament to the circular economy through material recovery.

• The "Afterlife" as a "New Life": By treating the original tiles as a valuable resource rather than debris, you have already practiced circularity. These tiles can, in theory, be lifted and reused again in the future, as they are distinct "inserts" within the floorplan.

5. Visible and accessible services

By keeping certain systems accessible (for instance, through inspection panels or within the hollow parts of the "dry" walls), the project avoids the need for destructive interventions during maintenance or future repurposing.