Located in a 1960s building designed by Agostinho Ferreira de Almeida, the Corujeira flat occupies a prime spot in Praça da Corujeira. The building itself is a testament to Almeida’s legacy, a co-author of Porto’s industrial architectural projects like the Lionesa Silk Fabric Factory. The flat’s renovation anticipates the broader changes coming to this part of Porto, where housing needs are increasing, and thoughtful restoration is key to preserving the city’s heritage while meeting modern demands.
The layout of the Corujeira flat presented challenges due to its original labyrinthine configuration. Over the years, successive alterations had left it with smaller, irregular rooms, detracting from the natural flow between the two levels. The flat’s two floors—one facing the street with a garage and main entrance, and a lower floor with a private patio overlooking the Dragão Stadium—lacked cohesion and efficient use of space, making the flat feel disconnected and fragmented.
Impare Arquitectura’s proposal focused on organizing the flat’s circulation and enhancing the use of space. By maintaining the original three-bedroom layout, the team improved functionality by adding a bathroom and reinforcing the connection to the outdoor patio. The lower floor was opened up, transforming it into a large living space where the kitchen, social areas, and a service toilet now integrate seamlessly with the patio, creating a natural extension of the home.
One of the most significant design choices was the clear separation between the sleeping areas and the social spaces. This not only provides the necessary privacy but also reorganizes the entrance area through a split vestibule, which directs traffic towards the garage, the bedrooms, or the lower floor. The division between the private and public areas enhances the fluidity of movement within the flat, making it more comfortable and practical for everyday living.
Corujeira 113 by Impare Arquitectura is more than just a residential refurbishment; it’s a reflection of Porto’s evolving urban landscape. As the city moves toward modernity, projects like these demonstrate how thoughtful architectural interventions can honor the past while adapting to the future, creating spaces that are both functional and aesthetically harmonious.
