CORREIA/RAGAZZI ARQUITECTOS remodelled and united two apartments in order to create a duplex apartment to better suit their clients’ needs. Located in Braga, Portugal, the newly designed apartment features a stunning staircase that connects the two units, and an array of interesting materials that create a game of volumes, light and dark.
Image © Luis Ferreira Alves
The architects developed the design by giving each unit a distinct function. The lower floor became a social gathering point, including spaces such as the kitchen, living room, laundry, guest suite, guest bathroom, and terrace. On the upper floor, the private housing area consists of three suites: one for the parents and two for the children.
Image © Luis Ferreira Alves
The union of both floors and, consequently, of the house, was achieved through a two storey high hall that showcases a majestic staircase. Designed as the focal piece of the entire design, the staircase creates, on the upper floor, a balcony that offers a view over the main floor of the house.
Image © Luis Ferreira Alves
CORREIA/RAGAZZI ARQUITECTOS explored design possibilities through the use of materials. The entire apartment was designed taking into consideration characteristics of materials that would create a ‘game of volumes, light and dark’. The architects use the texture of the light coloured micro-cement walls, in contrast to dark panels, doors and cabinetry made of black Valchromat.
Image © Luis Ferreira Alves
The main floor introduces pattern and texture through custom made flooring. Throughout the entire floor, the architects focused on the human scale element by introducing either change in material, colour or ceiling height. The attention to details unifies the space by creating a seamless transition from one to the other.
Image © Luis Ferreira Alves
On the upper floor, the main suite is comprised of a reading and/or gymnasium area, a sleeping area, and a walk-in closet that leads to the master bathroom. The spacious bathroom was designed to include a large wet area with shower, and a freestanding bathtub.
Image © Luis Ferreira Alves
The two smaller suites, for each child, are located on the opposite side of the apartment, and feature a bathroom covered in glass and mirror, with lots of natural light.
Image © Luis Ferreira Alves
Image © Luis Ferreira Alves
The stunning staircase is definitely the one to steal the show in this apartment, however the attention to details and play on materials, create a unified space that constantly delivers intriguing design elements.
Image © Luis Ferreira Alves
Image © Luis Ferreira Alves
Image © Luis Ferreira Alves
Image © Luis Ferreira Alves
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- Image © CORREIA/RAGAZZI ARQUITECTOS
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- Image © CORREIA/RAGAZZI ARQUITECTOS
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- Image © CORREIA/RAGAZZI ARQUITECTOS
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- Image © CORREIA/RAGAZZI ARQUITECTOS
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- Image © CORREIA/RAGAZZI ARQUITECTOS
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- Image © CORREIA/RAGAZZI ARQUITECTOS
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- Image © Luis Ferreira Alves
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- Image © Luis Ferreira Alves
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- Image © Luis Ferreira Alves
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- Image © Luis Ferreira Alves
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- Image © Luis Ferreira Alves
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- Image © Luis Ferreira Alves
Facts:
Name: Rehabilitation of an apartment
Location: Braga
Site Area: 200 m²
Construction Area: 375 m²
Entrepreneur: António Alves
Architects: CORREIA/RAGAZZI ARQUITECTOS
Collaborators: Diogo Nogueira, Francesca Gramegna, Hugo Natário, Rita Breda
Structure Ans Foundation Engineering: AB PROJECTOS
Hidraulic Engineering: AB PROJECTOS
Technical Facilities Engineering: GET
Electrical Engineering: RAUL SERAFIM & ASSOCIADOS
Project: 2011
Completion Year: 2013
Photography: Luis Ferreira Alves
*All images and information courtesy of CORREIA/RAGAZZI ARQUITECTOS.
