Exterior view of a mid-century modern residential building with a white facade and large windows, with two cars parked in front.

A mid-century modern residential building with a white facade, featuring large windows and a balcony. Two cars are parked in front of the building, and a large tree branch is visible in the foreground.

Story

A seamless blend of preservation and modernity in Porto The rehabilitation project of a single-family house in Porto, originally designed by Mário Bonito in 1950, is a testament to the delicate balance between preservation and adaptation. Architect José Pedro Lima has meticulously restored the house, maintaining its original spatial organization and distinctive features while subtly integrating contemporary elements. The house's original timber flooring, marble thresholds, and bespoke carpentry have been carefully preserved, ensuring that the architectural integrity remains intact. The intervention was discrete, with functional improvements such as relocating the ground-floor bathroom and reconfiguring the upper floor to create a suite with a private vestibule and bathroom. Externally, the removal of a later annex has restored the garden's permeability, complemented by a simple stone terrace and walkway. The use of lioz marble in the kitchen and bathrooms, along with new fixed wooden furniture, creates a dialogue between the old and the new, enhancing the house's tectonic character.

Design Highlights

Preservation of original timber flooring and marble thresholds Discrete functional improvements to accommodate modern living Use of lioz marble and new wooden furniture for a contemporary touch Restoration of garden permeability with a stone terrace and walkway

Key Facts

Key Aspect Detail
Architect José Pedro Lima
Original Architect Mário Bonito
Location Porto, Portugal
Year of Rehabilitation 2023
Original Design Year 1950
Materials Timber, Marble, Lioz Marble

Technical Summary

Finishes

  • flooring: Original timber flooring was preserved and restored.
  • thresholds and sills: Marble thresholds and window sills were preserved.
  • kitchen and bathroom surfaces: Lioz marble was introduced in the kitchen and bathrooms.

Materials

  • wood — Used in window frames, cabinetry, and furniture.
  • marble — Used for kitchen and bathroom surfaces.
  • concrete — Used in decorative screens on the facade.

Construction / Systems

  • original construction: The house retained its original spatial organization and construction systems.

Products

  • Not specified

Palette / Lighting

  • Colors: white, wood tones, marble
  • Lighting: natural light emphasized through large windows and open spaces.

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