red timber-clad skin embraces park house's art nouveau facade in aveiro

Renovation by Paulo Martins Preserves heritage

The Park House, designed by Paulo Martins, is situated on a tranquil street in Aveiro, overlooking the city’s park. The project involves the alteration and expansion of a deteriorated Art Nouveau building from the early 20th century. The original facade, adorned with plant, animal, and human motifs carved in limestone, was preserved due to its significant architectural and historical value. This preservation guided the material and formal approach of the house‘s renovation.

all images by Ivo Tavares

Park House in Aveiro Blends Tradition and Modern Design

The design extends the building towards the park, as if carved directly from the original facade. The new structure, clad in wood and stone, creates a dialogue between past and present, with its form echoing the old facade’s essence. The house is constructed using cross-laminated timber (CLT) and is organized across four floors. The basement houses a garage and workspace, designed for introspection and reflection. The ground floor features social spaces intended for gathering and interaction, while the upper floors contain four suites. Paulo Martins’ design team tops the house with a terrace offering a 360-degree view of the city, integrating the building into its urban and natural surroundings.

Park House by Paulo Martins overlooks the city’s park, blending urban life with natural surroundings

the design expands the building towards the park, seamlessly merging old and new architectural elements

Park House’s new structure, clad in wood and stone, echoes the essence of the original facade

the basement of the house includes a garage and workspace, offering a space for reflection

four suites occupy the upper floors, combining comfort with views of Aveiro’s city park

the preservation of original features sets the tone for the material choices in the renovation

Park House balances historic preservation with contemporary design, offering a modern living experience

renovating a deteriorated Art Nouveau building, Park House preserves its original limestone facade

social spaces on Park House’s ground floor encourage gathering and interaction

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project info:

name: Park House

architect, creative director: Paulo Martins | @paulomartinsarqdesign

engineering: R5 Engenharia

construction: Cimave

gross area: 518 sqm

location: Aveiro, Portugal

photography: Ivo Tavares | @ivotavaresstudio

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom