AZO sequeira arquitectos reconstructs house in bonfim

AZO sequeira arquitectos associados has completed a residence on the site of a previous building that dated back to the late 1970s. located in the northern portuguese city of porto, ‘house in bonfim’ has been designed for the occupation of a young family who wanted a functional urban home, with large open areas. the building’s concrete structure was based on the previously existing property, and covers a total of four storeys.

the residence is built on the site of a former property that dated back to the late 1970s
all images by nelson garrido

designed by mário sequeira’s braga-based studio AZO, the main façade is clad with timber slats whose coloring is derived from that of the surrounding urban fabric. these slats form a dynamic elevation, where individual elements can be opened or closed at the occupants discretion. this method also helps control natural daylight and ventilation throughout the home. the rear façade is more open, with double-height glazing spanning the lower two levels.

the façade is clad with timber slats whose coloring is derived from that of the surrounding urban fabric

spread across multiple levels, primary living accommodation is found at the ground floor. a kitchen-diner and small living area opens out onto a private patio, while a staircase leads to the home’s upper storeys. above, an elevated lounge flooded with natural light overlooks the terrace, with three bedrooms found at the uppermost level. beneath the kitchen is an underground multi-purpose space known as ‘the cave’. here, a subterranean passage leads to the two-car garage, positioned at the rear of the plot.

the entrance to the multi-storey home

a secluded patio is found at the rear of the residence

timber slats form a dynamic elevation, where individual elements can be opened or closed

primary living accommodation is found at ground level

kitchen and food preparation area

a dramatic stairway leads to the upper storeys

a lounge is positioned at the center of the home

carefully positioned apertures bring natural light inside the property

the residence is located in the northern portuguese city of porto

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AZO sequeira arquitectos associados house in bonfim porto portugal designboom

project info:

name: house in bonfim
architects: AZO. sequeira arquitectos associados
location: bonfim, porto, portugal
project architects: mário sequeira
project team: joão alves, fatima barroso
site area: 1,018 sqm
project area: 450 sqm
project year: 2015
photography: nelson garrido