António Enes 13 | Pedro Carrilho Arquitectos

The intervention in the existing building, constructed in the 1930s during the modernist period in Portugal, was based on a profound reconfiguration of the interior layout and its expansion through the addition of three new residential floors and two underground levels for parking.

 The integration of the new floors into the building’s compositional structure stemmed from a detailed analysis of the original design, found in historical archives, which initially envisioned five residential floors instead of the four that existed. Thus, the project proposed reinstating this "lost" floor while preserving the original design, restoring the balance of proportions between the base and the body of the building, as initially conceived by the original architect, Pardal Monteiro.

 The two additional upper floors, while maintaining formal continuity with the existing structure, introduce a more sober and distinct architectural language. To achieve this, a contemporary zinc volume was created, slightly set back from the façade plane, striking a balance between preservation and innovation. This element not only enhances the harmony of the composition but also establishes a dialogue between the building’s historical identity and its adaptation to contemporary requirements.

 The façade intervention focused on preserving its most emblematic architectural elements, including the stone base, the main entrance door, the carved stonework of the upper floors, and the sculptural bas-reliefs. The careful reproduction of these elements in the new floors was essential to maintaining the historical identity of the building, ensuring visual coherence between the pre-existing structure and the expansion.

 Inside, the most architecturally valuable elements were also preserved, notably the main atrium and the original staircase, characterized by its wooden and metal structure. This feature was meticulously replicated in the additional floors, ensuring a seamless and respectful integration of the new residential program within the architectural ensemble.

 Adjacent to the blind gable of the neighboring building on Rua Filipe Folque, a new elevator core was created, utilizing this less favorable area to provide full accessibility to all floors. To further enhance this space, a vertical garden was incorporated, improving the visual quality of the balconies overlooking the courtyard and the adjacent access points, fostering a balanced relationship between architecture and nature.

 This project stands out for its careful and sensitive approach to the pre-existing structure, promoting a balance between heritage rehabilitation and architectural innovation. The adopted solution respects the building’s original identity while infusing it with new vitality, ensuring its harmonious integration into the contemporary urban fabric.