This building in the historic center of Leiria has been restored and extended to accommodate two families. With a facade characterized by burgundy and white colored openings, the building stands out for the intersection between traditional and contemporary architectural elements. Inside, natural light floods the spaces, creating a bright, homely atmosphere.
Casa Matias Alves is a building located in the historic center of Leiria, which has been rehabilitated and expanded to accommodate two families. The restoration project of the existing facade is inspired by the architectural language common in the city of Leiria, with openings in burgundy and white colors, surrounded by masonry. The vertical extension, which represents the new phase of the building, is surrounded by a white wooden batten. The intersection of these two architectural elements gives uniqueness to this project.
On the rear facade, characterized by a pitched roof, there is a large window that follows the slope of the roof and illuminates the interior with a unique natural light, bringing the atmosphere of the city inside the house and creating the feeling of an outdoor space.
Inside, the architecture materializes the experience of this family, positively influencing their daily life and their family behaviors. “In all the spaces that I design, I want everyone to have their own identity,” says architect Joana Marcelino.
The staircase, in the first section, is made of solid pine wood and leads to the common and family area. The simplicity of this space takes shape thanks to the architectural lightness of the second flight of stairs positioned in the centre, which delimits the kitchen and living room. However, the composition of the staircase and the iron railings that support it manage to unify and create a transparency between the two spaces simultaneously.
The upper floor, intended for private areas such as the bedrooms, welcomes the inhabitants with a double-height area, accompanied by glazing that extends up to the roof, creating a feeling of verticality and connection with the city. The mezzanine, composed of a study and a leisure area, offers visual depth thanks to the exposed wooden structure, which follows the roof and surrounds the openings. From here, two skylights open with a privileged view directly on the castle of the city of Leiria.
The soul of the space arises from the harmony of the project, which combines rehabilitation and expansion, and from the uniformity of the materials used, which combine different shades and textures.
The materialization of the space helps to create a family atmosphere, which transmits calm in the city, in an extremely architectural and light-filled environment. Casa Matias Alves represents an example of how architecture can positively influence people's daily lives, creating welcoming and functional spaces that blend harmoniously into the urban context.
project info
Project Name: Matias Alves House
Office: Joana Marcelino Studio
Architect: Joana Marcelino
Website: https://www.joanamarcelino.com
Email: info@joanamarcelino.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joanamarcelinostudio
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joanamarcelinostudio
Location: Leiria, Portugal
Year: 2017
Total area (m2): 180m2
Client: Private
Architectural photographer: Ivo Tavares Studio
Website: www.ivotavares.net
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ivotavaresstudio
Instagram: www.instagram.com/ivotavaresstudio
