Casa FM | António Bessa Cruz Architects

Located on the site of a former car repair shop next to Agramonte Cemetery in Porto, this project was born from the client’s desire to convert the industrial space into a loft-style home. However, the existing structure lacked the necessary conditions to support such a transformation, leading to the development of a new build solution.
The design embraces this constraint as an opportunity to reinterpret the industrial character in a contemporary way. Generous ceiling heights, expansive open-plan areas, exposed concrete, iron-framed windows, and handmade brick define the material palette and spatial atmosphere, echoing the original workshop spirit while aligning with the client's vision for an intimate and contemporary way of living.
The layout is structured around a series of interior patios, which ensure privacy and introduce natural light into the heart of the house. These courtyards enhance the experience of a home where interior and exterior coexist fluidly.
Beyond its functional and aesthetic dimensions, the project engages in a reflection on the boundaries between architecture and scenography, questioning whether these realms can merge and coexist.