Bacalhoeiros 13 & 29

Refurbishment of two 19th century buildings

Both social housing buildings are owned by the City of Porto and nestled in the riverside area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

No. 13 was occupied and in reasonable condition; No. 29 was virtually vacant and in ruins. The strategy involved restoring the former while respecting the existing structure and rebuilding the latter from scratch.

Both are part of Porto’s traditional residential typology—dating from the late Middle Ages to the 20th century—characterized by narrow, elongated lots, built up in height, usually with commercial spaces at the base. Structurally, four granite masonry walls support slabs resting on chestnut or oak beams, with wooden floors, walls, and ceilings. The singular exception is the staircase, illuminated by a skylight.

At No. 13, the staircase serves as an element of circulation and interaction, balancing control and privacy with sharing. At No. 29, it is reinterpreted as a contemporary sculptural piece that channels light to the entrance, preserving the original spatial logic.

Both lots face north and south: the dappled shade of medieval Reboleira and the openness toward the Douro. Two wings where shade and sun, street and river find balance in the daily life of each home.