This renovation in Porto’s Foz Velha focuses on enhancing the character of a small historic house while introducing a clear contemporary identity. The project begins with the decision to preserve and expose the original granite walls and the timber roof structure—elements that embody the memory of the building. A large circular opening is carved into the new ceiling, revealing the old roof as a central feature. This gesture turns a hidden structural system into a spatial landmark, allowing natural light to interact with the aged wood and creating a moment of vertical connection between floors.

Smooth white walls contrast with the rough stone and dark roof timbers, reinforcing the dialogue between old and new. The reorganization of the interior improves circulation and brings clarity to the compact plan, while maintaining the house’s intimate scale.

The intervention respects the building’s heritage without replicating it. Instead, it frames the original materials and forms, allowing them to coexist with contemporary elements. The result is a balanced transformation that reveals the history of the house while providing the comfort and spatial quality of a new home.

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STATUS: Built (2020)

LOCATION: Porto (PT)

PHOTO CREDITS: Luis ferreira alves / marta ferreira