Casa de Santo António, 50 Years Old Building with History

Casa de Santo António in Estoril, Portugal, was designed in 1972 by architects José Bruschy and Virgílio Leal da Costa. After nearly 50 years, it was eventually renovated by José Adrião Arquitetos. Initially L-shaped, the renovation took into account architectural features and left the shape of the building unchanged from its original design.

Front view Casa de Santo António, Photo by Fernando Guerra

Top view Casa de Santo António, Photo by Fernando Guerra

José Adrião Arquitetos only improved the building's relationship with the outside. In this change, the swimming pool was moved from the original one in the central part of the park to the lower part of the land at the edge of the site. The garden added a new pergola structure by providing a shady border around the outside of the building that also serves as an open terrace that flows out of the living room and bedroom. Further to the interior of the building, openings are added. This part of the opening opens to the south and west. This opening expands the interior space towards the garden with new outdoor living spaces and allows residents to view the view from the shade.

Terrace view from inside the room, Photo by Fernando Guerra

Terrace Casa de Santo António, Photo by Fernando Guerra

Terrace Casa de Santo António, Photo by Fernando Guerra

The functional layout of the space has remained the same while maintaining the kitchen area has been integrated into the living room for more flexible and versatile use. José Adrião Arquitetos replaced the previous vaulted ceiling with an existing roof plate. In this new design, José Adrião Arquitetos focuses on the outdoors as an extension of the kitchen, and the dining room serves as the dining area. In addition, space was also added to the contour section as an extension containing new office/studio space.

Living Room Interior View Casa de Santo António, Photo by Fernando Guerra

Kitchen Interior View Casa de Santo António, Photo by Fernando Guerra

Kitchen Interior View Casa de Santo António, Photo by Fernando Guerra

José Adrião Arquitetos, who renovated the Casa de Santo António, only added a secondary function to the building that reached the age of 50 years without changing many functions and structures and replacing parts that may not last long due to age. Nevertheless, it is a tribute to architects and buildings that have contributed to architecture development and proves that ancient architecture is still relevant to today's conditions.

Backyard exterior view Casa de Santo António, Photo by Fernando Guerra

Top view Casa de Santo António, Photo by Fernando Guerra