GLI ARCHI SUL PORTO

This historical coastal flat was constructed as an additional floor to a two story house. Since its construction in the 1960s the house witnessed the creation of an additional floor which seriously compromised its structural stability and hindered any further renovation. Any additional work on this flat was extremely dependent on external factors such as: conservation grading, touristic location, differential settlement, lack of heating or cooling systems and outdated electrical and sewage infrastructure. 

 

I worked closely as the designer with a constructor, electrical engineer and energy consultant to upgrade the flat’s current situation to an appealing and rentable flat overlooking an attractive harbour.  This not only entailed a reconfiguration of spaces to fit one more flexible bedroom area and an additional complete bathroom, but also saw the insertion of a heating/cooling system infrastructure and outdoor balcony, major upgrade to the electrical system and various structural and spatial changes. 

 

The current precarious structural stability of the housing block called for a meticulous and systematic decision-making process that kept additional loads and new wall openings to the bare minimum. On the other hand, its historical location and its continuous exposure to extreme winds and salt water air required design choices that combined aesthetic homogeneity and long lasting material durability.