fala atelier renovates 19th-century house in porto with geometric surfaces

fala atelier has renovated a lofty 19th century house in porto, establishing a sense of order on both its exterior and interior through a minimal palette punctuated by the studio’s trademark geometric forms and patterns. located in a narrow alley in front of a cemetery, the residence combines three distinct elevations: an austere front façade covered with ‘banal’ white tiles, which incorporates two tall doors, one pink and one blue; a side façade characterized by three thick painted lines, reflecting the inside structural composition; and the garden elevation, which is composed of two square windows and a rain pipe within a nonconformist silhouette. the side wall of the neighboring house has been painted dark blue, enhancing the autonomy of the piece.

all images by ricardo loureiro, courtesy of fala atelier

fala atelier has replaced the existing wooden structure of the são brás house with concrete, and redefined the geometry of the plan with a new spatial grid. elements such as triangular bathrooms, a curved corridor, a tense staircase, and four relatable living spaces organize the necessary uses and hierarchies. seamless surfaces and patterns are created by bringing together wood, concrete, tiles and marble, while columns within the rooms act as architectural devices, not structural, and as such, they don’t touch the ceiling.

‘the living room is an assembly of simple figures where every object has its place,’ the studio notes. ‘the two blue doors, the practical marble surface, the movable cabinets, the windows facing the opposite exterior scenarios, the theatrical curtains.’