santa teresa house by PF architecture studio reflects porto's rejuvenated city center

santa teresa house by PF architecture studio reflects porto’s rejuvenated city center
(above) the attic includes a mezzanine platform
all images courtesy of joão morgado

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 third floor of the building

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. 

the living room

kitchen area

the harmonious shift between old and new embraces the current direction that porto is following

the conversion worked around the original structure of the building

each rooms responds to the natural light exterior the the building

third floor hall

 

‘santa teresa’ seen from the outside

plan

section

project info

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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edited by: hollie smith | designboom