UNIVERSIDADE DO PORTO. fep

The rehabilitation project of the Quinta de Lamas Agricultural Complex – FEP, located next to the Faculty of Economics of the University of Porto, seeks to reconcile heritage preservation with adaptation to new functions. Dating back to the 18th century, this architectural ensemble is one of the last remaining testimonies of Porto's rural past, reflecting the transition from an agricultural landscape to urban expansion.

The intervention was based on a thorough historical and construction study, respecting the morphology and identity of the existing buildings. Original elements, including stone water tanks, an oven, timber joinery, and ceilings, were carefully preserved and reintegrated, prioritising material reuse and sustainability.

The project was developed across two distinct areas. In Cluster 1, the extension was designed to ensure formal continuity, using GRC concrete panels whose colour and volumetry establish a subtle relationship between the new and existing structures. In Cluster 2, the greater architectural richness justified an exclusively restorative approach, enhancing the original features without introducing new constructions.

The two houses reveal different expressions of Porto's traditional rural architecture. House No. 1 retains its original functional organisation, with agricultural spaces on the ground floor and residential areas on the upper levels. House No. 2 displays greater architectural sophistication, featuring decorative stair railings, a larger courtyard, and a substantial covered porch.

Beyond the physical restoration of the buildings, this intervention seeks to preserve the memory and identity of the place, demonstrating how architectural rehabilitation can establish a balanced dialogue between heritage, contemporary design, and sustainability.