Santa Catarina Building

This building is in one of the busiest streets in the city of Porto, Rua de Santa Catarina.
The transformations of the buildings in this area of ​​the city have been happening over the years. In a broader reading of the entire urban front, and with some evidence, we understand the changes in a certain image of the entire urban front and buildings built in different periods and whose architectural features demonstrate these different phases. Considering all this diversity of styles and materials, we consider it important to maintain the identity of this imposing building from the 19th century, with a certain sobriety.

The building was in an evident state of degradation in wall coverings, structure of the floors and roof, resultant from attacks by biotic agents, water infiltrations and many years of abandonment.

The insertion of new structural elements results from the need to consolidate the existing building and adapt the experience of the spaces to the current functional requirements.

It was established that the ground floor would be a commercial establishment and the remaining floors for housing, with the adaptation of the floors to accommodate six apartments with generous areas and emphasizing the magnificent interior height of the floors.