located in rua de d. joão iv, porto, the pedro ferreira architecture studio’s (PF architecture studio) ‘casas da baixa’ is subject to refurbishing a small 19th-century block into a modern multifamily dwelling. the intervention intends to hierarchize and reorganize the existing typologies, reformulating the whole and designing several independent housing units.

PF architecture studio turns a 19th-century block into 11 apartments of different typology
casas da baixa, rua de d. joão IV

 

 

the apartments vary between studio, 1-bedroom, and 2-bedroom typologies, maintaining the constructive principles of the pre-existing structure. in spite of its advanced state of degradation, the organic and vernacular layout of the whole was so evident that it became the starting point for the conceptual definition of PF architecture studio’s design.

PF architecture studio turns a 19th-century block into 11 apartments of different typology
free-floor apartment with mezzanine

 

 

the original construction system, consisting of sturdy walls in granite, floors, roofing, and wooden structures, was mostly preserved apart from few replacements and corrections. the result is 11 interdependent apartments that can either have individual or shared access, where the white of the walls and ceilings contrasts with the warmth of the pinewood floors, creating a consistent dialogue between the preexistence and the intervention. the typologies are marked by the variation of finished floor levels and use of the attic area, resulting in free-floor plan apartments in which the mezzanines play a remarkable role in the interpretation and living of the interior space. 

PF architecture studio turns a 19th-century block into 11 apartments of different typology
free-floor apartment

 

PF architecture studio turns a 19th-century block into 11 apartments of different typology
skylight

 

PF architecture studio turns a 19th-century block into 11 apartments of different typology

 

PF architecture studio turns a 19th-century block into 11 apartments of different typology

 

PF architecture studio turns a 19th-century block into 11 apartments of different typology
detail: stairs

 

PF architecture studio turns a 19th-century block into 11 apartments of different typology
living room

 

 

PF architecture studio turns a 19th-century block into 11 apartments of different typology
entrance

 

PF architecture studio turns a 19th-century block into 11 apartments of different typology
section 1

 

PF architecture studio turns a 19th-century block into 11 apartments of different typology
section 2

 

PF architecture studio turns a 19th-century block into 11 apartments of different typology
plans

 

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: maria erman | designboom