stu.dere divides its ‘warehouse morinho’ interior with an expressive gridded screen

portuguese design studio stu.dere presents its newly completed ‘warehouse morinho’ in amarante. the warehouse, or armazém, sees the transformation of a derelict space into a luminous retail interior photographed by ivo tavares. despite the client’s request for an open plan, the design team seeks to introduce a sense of exploration as visitors walk through space, as though it were a labyrinth or a child’s game. hybridizing these two concepts, the space is occupied by a wire mesh screen, which creates a physical but not visual barrier — this serves to divide the floor while fulfilling the client’s intentions.

all images by ivo tavares studio

stu.dere organizes its warehouse morinho primarily as a space programmed for the display and storage of product. additionally, the ground floor includes an office and a small storage room. meanwhile, the upper floor is programmed as a studio for product photography. the interior is subdivided with a translucent glazing system, designed to expand space. a small, playful children’s area is defined by a double height polycarbonate enclosure beside the stair. overhead lighting illuminates the polycarbonate and alludes to a ‘world of magic, imagination and creativity.’

stu.dere finishes the interior of its warehouse morinho with a unique and expressive material palette. the design team comments: ‘honeycomb polycarbonate has been chosen for the interior walls, suggesting an industrial appearance in harmony with the microcement-coated floor. to counterbalance this, the ceilings and the office were lined with birch plywood, creating a more intimate feel. this note has a regular metric that allows both the rhythm to be created and the organization of space, such as furniture layout, to be guided.’

project info:

project title: warehouse morinho

architecture: stu.dere

location: vila meã, amarante, portugal

client: belo & tavares, SA

completion: 2020

photography: ivo tavares studio