Dating from the end of the nineteenth century, this two-floor apartment was renovated using traditional materials and methods of construction, the aim being to retain both the unspoilt character of the building to which it belongs and its integration within the historical nucleus of the City of Setubal in Portugal.
At the entrance level the interior compartments were removed in order to permit daylight to enter the entire dwelling, but the corridor, a fundamental element for the characterization of the existing space, remained intact. The dormer window of the attic was designed as a lantern light, controlling the entrance of light, but also permitting its dispersal throughout the entire space. Faced with wood on the exterior, it stretches back to a small deck from where it is possible to take advantage of the view of the river.
Wood appeared the most appropriate element to coat and unify the whole as it acquires a dark, yet delicate, tonality with ageing.
The project looked to develop the strengths of the existing apartment and to redesign the space using light as the principal element.
