tiago do vale architects refurbishes ‘three cusps chalet’ in portugal

located in braga, portugal, the historic ‘the three cusps chalet’ has been renovated by tiago do vale architects to serve as an annex for a small neighboring palace. the distinctive building analyzes its context and combines typical 19th century portuguese architecture and urban design with an unexpected alpine influence.

all images © joão morgado

the project was overhauled by tiago do vale architects and the goal was the clarify the scheme’s spaces and reintegrate a sense of scale, detail and its original image. the building’s character inside and outside had been lost due to the different interventions and change in programs over the span of 120 years.

firstly, the façade was restored to its original glory, reinstating the original wooden window frames and preserving the colorful decorated eave. secondly, the interior was recuperated and refurbished to include refined finishes such as timber floors, new ceiling structures and portuguese marble. spread across three storeys, the scheme hosts rooms for living and working simultaneously.

white color is methodically repeated on walls, ceilings, carpentry and marble

the strategy in which the architects took was to order spaces by hierarchy spaces by the floor which it was on; the sleeping quarters located at the top. the stairs are narrower with each flight of steps, informing the changing nature of the spaces it connects. in addition, the staircase geometry efficiently filters the visual relations between both programs while still allowing for natural light to seep down from the upper levels.

the master bedroom is located on the top floor

both the floor and roof structure are left in their natural colors

 

the interior went back to its spacial and functional layout, wooden floors and ceiling structures and the  staircase

the ground floor is used as an office space

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