Tradition in Modernity
At Rua Elias Garcia, 55 in Almada, a two-family house built before 1951 was altered and extended. The aim of the intervention was not only to improve the construction, but, above all, the architecture.
In the same location, there are properties from different architectural periods. The project took on and intensified these different periods in the same property. The popular aesthetic was followed, namely through the use of window frames and a sloping roof, but the overall composition shows a contemporary order, namely through the use of fitted and detached volumes that give the building plasticity.
Space in an urban center
The overall composition of the building shows a contemporary order, particularly through the use of interlocking and detached volumes that give the property a plastic appearance. The red tone assumes the modernity of the construction, both on the main and rear elevations, in conjunction with the volume of the skylight of the common staircase.
The height of the building was resized to make it compatible with the building on the left side (to the east) and the alignment of the roof, despite the unevenness of the street being contrary to the development in a band.
On the other hand, this intervention aimed to achieve greater urban integration in the surrounding area, reducing the impact of the five-storey collective housing building on the right-hand side.
The idea of a gable roof with a gutter was maintained, resulting in a better framing and relationship with the neighbouring buildings, as well as a more perfect geometry of the roof in relation to the available and narrow area.
Two duplex units were created, fitted together like two L’s, that is, the T3 unit occupies the entire ground floor, including the courtyard (open area), and half of the 1st floor.
The other T2 unit occupies half of the 1st floor and the entire 2nd floor.
This Elias Garcia project was much more than respect for the building and its historical setting – it was, above all, an important enhancement of the existing building, an improvement in the living conditions of future inhabitants and the elimination of architectural inconsistencies, even though they are classified as historic buildings or areas.
Elias Garcia - More than a renewal
Urban renewal is essential to the survival of old urban areas, which will only be possible with good architectural solutions for each of the buildings, in relation to the overall structure.
With this urban renewal operation, Metathesis removed a ruined building from Almada’s housing stock to build a substantial property. This property is suitable for two young urban families who will live in Almada, raise their children in Almada and enjoy the quality of life that this city offers young couples.
