Casa do Engenho: Reinterpreting the Relationship Between Heritage and Contemporary Interior Spaces

Location and Historical Context

Casa do Engenho is situated within an agricultural estate in Vila Nova de Gaia, characterized by gently sloping terrain that adds a natural dimension to the house. This location serves as a link between the surrounding nature and architectural heritage, enhancing our understanding of the building’s character and its original function.

Architectural Structure and Components

The house forms part of a collection of historic buildings dating back to the early 18th century. This ensemble includes:

• The main residential building.
• Various agricultural spaces.
• A harvest oven.
• Wells, including the so-called “old mill.”
• Small auxiliary structures supporting daily activities.

Original Function and Design Challenges

Originally, this ancillary section was intended to host family gatherings and celebrations. However, it was characterized by strict and segmented organization, which limited its adaptability to contemporary daily life. This highlights the challenge of repurposing these spaces, requiring a balance between respecting historical memory and providing practical flexibility for modern living.

Experience and Discovery

A three-month temporary stay in the old pool house, undertaken during renovations of the main residence, revealed the latent potential of the space. This exploration provided a hands-on understanding of the areas, which in turn inspired the gradual transformation of the building into what is now known as Casa do Engenho.

Design Concept and Architectural Intervention

The proposed concept is based on a complete transformation of the interior space while preserving the structural integrity and the external architectural identity. Emphasis was placed on reinterpreting the façade through careful proportioning and the introduction of new windows, allowing better control of natural light and enhancing the comfort of the interior spaces.

Autonomy and Contemporary Identity

Although the building is formally connected to the main residence, it now enjoys its own autonomy and distinctive identity, adopting a more contemporary and contrasting architectural language. This independence allows the space to express itself freely while maintaining historical ties to the original structure.

Light and Space Strategies

The architectural interventions focus on optimizing visual connectivity and harnessing natural light, particularly from the west. Continuity of the interior spaces was enhanced, reshaping the lifestyle within the building and offering its occupants a renewed living experience harmonized with the surrounding environment.

Basement Organization

The basement is centered around social areas, where the living room, dining room, and kitchen flow seamlessly into a continuous and cohesive space. The use of wooden materials adds warmth and comfort, while sliding panels enhance control over the relationship between the kitchen and living area, allowing for openness or privacy as needed.

Facilities and Services

The basement also includes a range of functional facilities catering to daily life, such as:

• A laundry room and storage space for household items.
• A service bathroom to provide convenience for residents and guests.
• A garage for vehicle security.

Master Suite

This floor features the master suite, offering a high level of comfort, including:

• A spacious walk-in wardrobe.
• A full bathroom.
• A spa area with direct outdoor access, enhancing the connection to the natural surroundings and creating a luxurious and comfortable living experience.

Upper Floor Organization

The upper floor contains two wings and a large living room, all overlooking the balconies, providing visual connection with the surrounding environment and enhancing the sense of openness and spaciousness.

Natural Lighting and Roof Utilization

The sloped roof features strategically placed skylights that ensure natural light reaches all areas of the floor, reducing reliance on artificial lighting and adding a sense of warmth and vitality to the interior spaces.

Roof Overhang and Outdoor Spaces

The roof extends beyond the building’s perimeter, creating a covered outdoor area that can be used flexibly. This overhang provides protection from direct sunlight while allowing enjoyment of the open air, further strengthening the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.

The Staircase as a Central Element

The original staircase has been preserved, making it a symbolic and central feature of the project. This retention highlights the historical value of the space and strengthens the connection between past and present.

Materials and Visual Contrast

The initial stone steps extend from the entrance hall floor, imparting a sense of stability and solidity, while the remaining wooden steps provide a lighter, contemporary element. This contrast creates a visual rhythm and continuity of movement, seamlessly linking the social and private areas of the house, while maintaining a comfortable and smooth transitional experience for the users.

Materials and Environmental Harmony

The materials used draw on natural elements that harmonize with the existing building, enhancing the integration of old and new while imparting a sense of warmth and comfort within the interior spaces.

Interior Spaces and Continuity

The interior spaces emphasize continuity and fluidity, strengthening the relationship between inside and outside. This design allows for a cohesive living experience, where every part of the house is seamlessly connected to the natural surroundings and other areas within the building. The approach reflects principles of modern interior design while respecting historical context.

The Building’s New Role

Following the architectural intervention, the building ceases to be merely a complementary space and assumes a central role in family life. Casa do Engenho is reborn with vitality, meaning, and comfort, preserving the memory of the place while projecting it toward the future.

Design Philosophy

Above all, the building is conceived as a space designed to embrace the continuity of a family story, reinterpreted through a contemporary architectural language that seamlessly combines heritage and modernity in a clear and coherent manner.

✦ ArchUp Editorial Insight

Casa do Engenho can be considered a model demonstrating the potential for integrating historic buildings with the demands of contemporary life. The emphasis on natural light control and continuity of interior spaces stands out as a positive factor contributing to an enhanced living experience.

However, the project also presents several challenges that must be considered when applying similar ideas:

• Multiplicity of Functions and Spaces: Despite the redistribution of areas, achieving an optimal balance between social and private zones may remain difficult without compromising privacy.
• Architectural Identity vs. Modernity: Preserving the historic façade while introducing contemporary elements may create visual tension or limit design freedom for future expansions.
• Operational Flexibility: Interior modifications rely heavily on technological interventions such as sliding panels and skylights, which may require precise maintenance or limit the building’s usability under varying conditions.
• Replicability: While the project provides a valuable case study for architects, its applicability may be limited for buildings with different historical characteristics or smaller spaces.

Overall, Casa do Engenho serves as a reference for understanding the relationship between architectural heritage and modern functionality, emphasizing the study of spatial layout, natural light, and materials, while considering the practical and operational constraints unique to each case.