Leça da Palmeira House, northern Portugal real estate, Portuguese modern home
Leça da Palmeira House in northern Portugal
30 October 2024
Architects: Raulino Silva
Location: Leça da Palmeira, Matosinhos, Portugal
Photography by José Campos
Leça da Palmeira House, Portugal
The Leça da Palmeira House, located in Matosinhos, northern Portugal, sits within a well-established urban area. The surrounding neighborhood features a blend of building types, including various residential and commercial structures, as well as both single-family and multi-family housing. This diverse architectural context highlights the unique character of Leça da Palmeira, with the house harmonizing with its surroundings while still asserting its own distinctive presence.
Upon acquiring the property, the architects discovered a two-story house with a traditional pitched roof. However, the house was in significant disrepair, with an interior that was both structurally and aesthetically degraded, demanding an extensive renovation. The original structure included a lower floor set below street level, which posed design and access challenges.
The architectural intervention aimed to preserve the existing volume of the house, respecting its original silhouette while implementing critical updates. To enhance functionality and modernize the home, the design expanded the structure toward the north, extending the building to fill in the gable wall of the neighboring property to the west, which had previously undergone its own expansion. This northern extension also facilitated the addition of an annex along the northern boundary of the property, which now serves as a practical carport, meeting the residents’ needs for parking and utility space.
Inside, the house is reconfigured with a functional distribution of spaces. The lower floor, serving as the main social hub of the home, includes practical amenities such as the laundry room and engine room, alongside the kitchen and a spacious living room. The living room opens up to a small but thoughtfully designed garden, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor connection that allows for natural light and outdoor views to permeate the social spaces. This connection with the garden fosters a sense of openness and extends the living area, making it a perfect gathering spot for relaxation or entertaining.
The upper floor houses more private spaces, tailored to the family’s needs. It includes a home office and three suites, offering each family member their own dedicated space. The primary suite is notably enhanced with an adjoining dressing room, providing a comfortable and private retreat. This layout promotes a practical separation between the social and private areas, enhancing both functionality and privacy within the home.
Designed by architect Raulino Silva, and completed in 2023, the renovation and expansion have transformed the Leça da Palmeira House into a functional, elegant home that blends traditional elements with modern comfort. The design harmoniously incorporates the structure into its urban context while adapting it to contemporary standards, ensuring the home’s durability and livability for years to come. The project was captured beautifully by photographer José Campos, showcasing the meticulous work involved in its restoration and expansion.
Leça da Palmeira House, northern Portugal – Building Information
Design: Raulino Silva – https://raulinosilva.blogspot.com/
Year of completion: 2023
Location: Leça da Palmeira, Matosinhos, Portugal
Photo: José Campos
Leça da Palmeira House, northern Portugal images / information received 301024
Location: Leça da Palmeira, Matosinhos, northern Portugal, southwestern Europe
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