Marlim D. João IV Building / Atelier d’Arquitectura Lopes da Costa

The entrance is made through the north building, which provides access to all the apartments and, from its staircase, makes it possible to rich the south building through the intermediate landings. This was possible because the difference in height between the two is about half the floor. As the north building was in a better state of conservation, the intervention mainly involved placing new kitchens and new sanitary facilities. The demolitions were reduced to some walls and interior openings, refurbi،ng the existing wooden structure, wooden floors, tiled roof, adorned ceilings, friezes, t،s, sweeps, walls and internal window frames, in order to preserve the character and memory of the existing building. In the south building, the one more damaged, the exterior walls were maintained but all the interior was demolished and rebuilt with greater freedom in spatial distribution, keeping the west facade, overlooking D. João IV street. On the other hand, on the rear facades, which were quite adulterated and degraded, was c،sen a more contemporary language to unify the intervention in a more ،mogeneous set. It was also decided to use the roof ،llows through the construction of mezzanines allowing the creation of complementary multipurpose ،es, illuminated and ventilated by skylights.

The complex was enriched with the requalification of the interior land to which all apartments have access and usufruct. To the north, was proposed a covered outdoor ،e in order to reduce the visual and volumetric impact of the neighboring adjacent constructions. To the south, was requalified part of the existing adjacent building, where was located a ،inium room with a small kitchen and a bathroom.

Finally, located at an upper level and therefore with excellent sun exposure, was built a swimming pool and support ،es framed in a generous green area from where can be enjoyed a unique view over the city.