Rehabilitation and Conversion into Apartments, on Álvares Cabral Street

<h2 class="scroll-m-20 text-xl font-semibold tracking-tight first:mt-0">From the existing</h2>The 4-story building with two fronts and a courtyard was very degraded, largely due to pathologies in the roofs and gutters. However, it showcased peculiar characteristics, which we decided to work on to recover, preserve, and enhance, thereby qualifying and adding value to the final result. Thus, the high quality, aesthetic, and construction of the interior carpentry, stairs, and handrails stood out; the generous ceiling heights; the great interior brightness provided by the large skylight; and the elongated courtyard (typical of lots in the center of Porto), with the ruin of the "greenhouse" at the end. On the other hand, the large and bright exterior openings added potential to the design of comfortable and pleasant homes.<h2 class="scroll-m-20 text-xl font-semibold tracking-tight first:mt-0"> From the project</h2> In the design of the apartments, the solutions found relied on the great quality of the "period" details to enhance the building and enrich the created environments. However, comfortable, functional, and sustainable solutions prevailed throughout the entire rehabilitation project. As a result of the combination of the described criteria, the apartments in Álvares Cabral all turned out different: in the configuration of their spaces and their characterization; in solar exposure; in their relationship with the street and the surroundings; in the visual horizon achieved; and in their relationship with the courtyard and the garden.Thus, each of the two levels of the courtyard was assigned to the two adjacent apartments. The "greenhouse" was rebuilt and converted into a studio/bedroom. The common stairs, providing access to the various floors, were restored to their original appearance and enhanced by the brightness of the rehabilitated skylight. The two balconies overlooking the courtyard, closed over time, were reopened and are now outdoor living spaces, complementary to the adjacent rooms.A balcony was inserted on the top floor where a small roof previously existed between the street facade and the set-back floor. This resulted in the offer of a large outdoor living space, adjacent to the living room and bedroom of the adjacent apartment. The apartment typologies are T1, T1+1, T2 with an outdoor patio, T2 duplex, and T3 with a garden. Thermal comfort, acoustic comfort, and fire safety were particularly addressed. Special attention was given to the control and rationalization of energy costs throughout the year.