architect andrés stebelski celebrates porto heritage with tilework and timber

architect andrés stebelski revitalizes a typical three-story heritage building in porto‘s historic foz do douro. while the interior was completely demolished and livened with expressive timber details, the original exterior walls of the house were preserved. the architect adds space and character to the dwelling through the introduction of a new top floor, characterized by its contemporary zinc roof interrupted with dormer windows. with this intervention, the structure hosts five floors rather than three. aside from the granite details added to the restored façade, the exterior walls are entirely covered with new, hand-painted tiles — a famous motif seen throughout porto — as protection from the humidity of the coastal environment.

images by ivo tavares studio | @ivotavaresstudio

renovating the seaside dwelling in porto, architect andrés stebelski harmoniously integrates the design into the historic urban fabric. along with its exterior wrapped in tilework, the building respects the height and character of its neighbors. meanwhile, everything toward the interior is new. the two lower levels are combined to become a bright, double height commercial space with large windows providing visibility to and from the street. on the upper floors, two triplexes are created — one facing the sea and the other facing the vibrant city. the two apartments are almost symmetrical and have a large double-height space on the first floor taking advantage of the five corner windows of the original structure.

andrés stebelski introduces a mezzanine to overlook the first floor of each three-level apartment within his porto renovation. the lofty, double height first floor features an exposed steel structure, an open studio, and bathroom. the third floor hosts two bedrooms and a second bath, and overlooks a spectacular view either toward the sea or toward the ancient town of foz. a light metal and timber staircase creates a design-minded link between all levels. the stair is enclosed by a lattice partition of vertical wooden slats which both separates the staircase and integrates the oak wood slats lining the walls. this timber detail transforms the interior with a warm and contemporary atmosphere.