The morphology of this pool structure, inspired by the movement of the water, makes it possible to respond to various possible uses, thus promoting sports and leisure activities on the river and encouraging the city’s residents to enjoy the natural element of the city.

Each unit was designed to have its own private exterior space with flower-banks which not only provide privacy but also integrate a natural element within the urban landscape in continuity with the interior space.

The living space, being the primary space of the apartment, was developed so to promote greater versatility of uses corresponding to the different needs and inputs of a creative client.

The complementary permeability between the ground floor of the existing building and the new building that hovers over the square, serves as a conditioning factor in the spatial organization of the program between the two volumes that are interconnected at the basement level, reiterating the idea of a spacious ground floor, passable, public and, therefore, accessible to everyone.

The new program defined for this building transforms the existing building in to a creative market for the city where architecture simultaneously treasures the collectiv memory while introduces a new urban space for multigenerational gathering.

With this layout strategy, an open space defined by living, dinning and cooking area was possible as the kitchen is directly connected to the living room area. A steel frame structure was designed for structural reasons and adapted into a kitchen counter/island space and shelves.

While inside the apartment the transformation was more intense, the outdoor space had a minimal impact by replacing materials to create a sense of continuity from the inner space to the outdoors areas.

The new house, built exactly in the same place as the old one, recreates some of the best features so that it resembles the emotional space and connection kept in the family memory.

The topography of this site required a set of terraces and platforms that unfold in direction of the river. Private areas were placed in the upper level along a corridor facing backwards; while the communal areas are on the same floor as the outdoor deck and pool area functioning together as an open space.

For structural purposes a wooden squared frame was built between the kitchen and living room. This structure not only functions as a counter or book shelf but also defines a separation between both areas.

The interior design strategy of the Heliodoro apartment follows an eclectic combination of old/antique pieces and contemporary furniture, just as the space itself: a dignified original shell with an appropriate approach to nowadays needs.

Outside the wild garden found before was transformed into a peaceful haven maintaining the existing trees which also defined the shaded position to place the white concrete modular board surfaces creating a platform for a table or lounge chairs.

It was also perceived that the open space would be split into two areas, a gallery and a collaborative working space. Therefore, the gallery stands closer to the entrance while the work space resides in a more discrete area, privatized with curtains but facing the facade allowing the light to get in. Adding to this main functions, a kitchen and a lounge area where placed at the end of this space.

Due to acoustic and thermic needs, cork was the material chosen to coat the walls. Its natural properties and the abundance of such in Portugal makes it a sustainable choice. Some of these were graffiti painted by hand in order to create a pattern with a metal effect and bring color to the back wall where the lounge area is.

The intervention strategy was based on placing rooms that do not require natural light in this dark core.

The new layout allowed to have four bedrooms, an open space with living, dinning and cooking area. Throughout the apartment the original features were restored: the ceiling and wall moldings, wooden shutters and doors, so that the original architectural character would be dignified while simultaneously adapted to the contemporary life style.

The main concept of this restaurant was to bring the street into the inner space. Therefore, a crane-like suspended structure was projected to recreate the idea of a street being built. This continuous movement suggests the connection between the entrance and the bar.

The presence of the light within the structure was set to recreate this vectorial flow by the neon led that crosses the entire room. Although it is a small space, the choice of materials, textures and artwork recreates the multicultural fusion sense intended.

To create a sense of unity between the hardware and the software, the client requested an interior design project which was thought by taking into consideration the street name that refers to a previous Portuguese colony. Therefore, a luxurious colonial strategy was defined alongside the natural materials and handcrafted pieces selected to create a singular atmosphere.

This layout was no longer suitable for the contemporary needs of the client who wished to have fewer but wider rooms than several tiny spaces. Therefore, the interior renovation consisted of connecting rooms while creating a setting that evoked simultaneously a classic feel of the molding works on the walls and a contemporary clean strategy for both kitchen and bathroom.

One of the determinant aspects is related to the intention of having different atmospheres in that same space:  an aperitivo lounge, the dinning area and a Gin bar, so that customers extend their experience beyond the meal. These spaces are consequently organized around a protagonist element: the bar. Although each of them presents its own characteristics, a sense of unity is very present.

The projected solution passes through the choice and disposal of different materials and heights also applied to rank the functions within. The segment that set out from the dinning area develops trough the restaurant, embraces the bar counter and finishes at the restaurants aperitivo lounge, which works simultaneously as a small reception area.

If there isn ́t enough space for both the living and the dead, and their cars, then an efficient metropolitan solution should be proposed. This proposal’s featured concept establishes the relation of the proportion of the soil occupied by cars and graves (parkings and cemeteries), and concludes that a vertical strategy could be a possibility.