797 fernandes thomás apartments

The rehabilitation project of 797 Fernandes Thomaz, in Porto, sought to reconcile the preservation of architectural heritage with the introduction of contemporary solutions, ensuring comfort, functionality, and flexibility in the new residential spaces.

The intervention respected the building's identity and its relationship with the surrounding urban context, through an extension that follows the prevailing alignments of the urban block.

On the intermediate floors, alterations were carefully considered, preserving the original structure and decorative features. A key element was the creation of duplex apartments with mezzanines, taking advantage of the generous existing ceiling heights. These lightweight, modular structures were designed to be reversible, allowing future adaptations without compromising the building's heritage value.

The transformation of the roof, with the introduction of dormer windows, enabled the creation of three new apartments, ensuring natural light and ventilation. The building retains its mixed-use character, accommodating two commercial units and eleven residential apartments.

One of the project's distinctive features is the introduction of lightweight metal structures to accommodate kitchens, bathrooms, and storage areas. Designed as independent elements, they remain visually separate from the original architecture, allowing the existing decorative details to be preserved.

The intervention establishes a dialogue between past and present, where the reversibility of the proposed solutions and the appreciation of existing architectural features reflect a sustainable approach to urban rehabilitation, capable of adapting to evolving needs and ways of living.