the nineteenth century ‘santa teresa’ building is located in the heart of downtown porto – portugal. the city center has recently taken a radical change both socially, culturally and economically which has consequently attracted an influx of tourism. the converted apartment house is named after the street in which it is situated and reflects the rejuvenated spirit that the urban area is currently undertaking. PF architecture studio was invited to refurbish the interior of the residence with a series of rooms that would be available for temporary lease.
the aim was to re-interpret the space by allowing extra room for smaller
apartments. this was achieved through the use of different typologies
including the conversion of the attic and the installation of a
mezzanine platform. the result concluded in nine purged suites that
conformed to the existing structure whilst embracing the newly installed
features. each room contains a minimal appearance that responds to the
natural light exterior to the building. the harmonious shift between old
and new, embraces the current direction that porto is following,
providing inhabitants with a reflection the city’s cultural past and
regenerated urban scene.
project name: santa teresa
project: xix century house remodeling
design: pfarchstudio + marta reis
engineering: asl&associados, lda
construction: homereab, lda
photography: joão morgado
location: porto, portugal
year: 2013/2015
client: private
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