Rua de Camões Apartment by Marta Campos
In Porto, Portugal, renowned for its captivating history and exquisite port wine, the Rua de Camões Apartment stands out as a beacon of architectural innovation. Residing within the storied “Alegria 541” building, designer Marta Campos has masterfully transformed this particular unit.
Marrying 19th-century charm with modern aesthetics, it’s a sublime testament to preserving the past while embracing the future.
About Rua de Camões Apartment
Reviving Alegria 541: A 19th Century Marvel
Once a prestigious abode, “Alegria 541” served as a single-family dwelling for the 19th-century bourgeoisie. Now, it has undergone an awe-inspiring transformation to house multiple apartments.
Despite facing rapid deterioration from water damage and vandalism, the building still boasted unique architectural elements. Intriguingly, these features, ripe for restoration, became pivotal in shaping the project’s direction.
From Decay to Modern Living Spaces
From this meticulous renovation, five distinct apartments emerged. Specifically, there’s a T2 duplex, another T2, a T0, and two T0+1 units. Every step of the restoration prioritized preserving the original charm. Thus, a thorough inspection and inventory of existing elements became fundamental to the process.
Harmonizing Heritage with Contemporary Needs
Considering the building’s distinct character, and since many of its decorative pieces remained intact, the adaptation felt subtle. However, in certain areas, where function or placement necessitated, contemporary touches subtly interweaved with the historical essence.
Photography courtesy of Marta Campos
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- by Matt Watts
