Architecture, Interior Design, Residential DesignFlorence LJuly 10, 2024Porto, Portugal, Residential Design, Interior Design

BOAVISTA 339 || Transforming Small Spaces with Elegant Solutions for Compact Plots

Architecture, Interior Design, Residential DesignFlorence LJuly 10, 2024Porto, Portugal, Residential Design, Interior Design

In the vibrant cityscape of Porto, Boavista 339 stands as an epitome of innovative architectural design and urban elegance.

Conceptualized by Paulo Merlini Architects, this residential project transforms a compact and challenging plot into a harmonious living space. Completed in 2023, Boavista 339 is not just a building; it’s a narrative of spatial ingenuity and aesthetic refinement.

Boavista 339's plot, characterized by its small size and peculiar configuration, presented an intriguing challenge. The plot measures merely 88 square meters with a frontage of 5.50 meters facing the bustling Av. da Boavista and narrows to 2.00 meters at the rear elevation. This unique plot demanded a creative and efficient design approach to maximize the usable area while maintaining an elegant aesthetic.

*The small plot and configuration of the building presented a unique challenge.*

Paulo Merlini Architects employed a central stairwell design to optimize the space, a recurring distribution logic in Porto's architectural vernacular. This strategic placement liberated the façades, allowing natural light to flood the interiors, enhancing the sense of space within the apartments. The design includes a mix of simplex and duplex units from the second floor upwards, complemented by a small commercial space on the ground floor. This commercial area, enhanced by a patio at the rear, adds value and integrates seamlessly with the residential units.

*The spiral staircase at Boavista 339 creates a sense of vertical fluidity and modern elegance.*

The project boasts eleven distinct units within a total area of 649 square meters. Each unit is designed to offer a unique living experience while adhering to standardized construction elements to ensure ease of execution. Despite the standardized elements, the design does not compromise on individuality. Each unit is a blend of functionality and aesthetic appeal, characterized by elegant concrete arches that define the façade.

The choice of arches serves a dual purpose. Aesthetically, they connect the façade elements, creating a cohesive visual language. Functionally, arches are the architectural elements that best adapt to the human form, enhancing the building's empathetic character. These arches, along with the 0.80-meter-high flowerbeds, ensure privacy for the residents while adding an element of nature to the concrete structure. The flowerbeds block direct sightlines from the street, providing comfort and privacy and creating a visual contrast that softens the façade's appearance.

Boavista 339’s main elevation features access openings to small, 0.60-meter-deep balconies, a typical feature in Porto's residential buildings. These balconies enhance the building’s aesthetic appeal and offer functional outdoor spaces for the residents. The interplay of concrete and natural elements in the design reinterprets historical architectural themes, making Boavista 339 a modern yet contextually resonant structure.

*Boavista 339's façade integrates natural elements with concrete, creating a harmonious design.*

Boavista 339 is a shining example of how thoughtful design can transform spatial constraints into architectural opportunities. Paulo Merlini Architects have created a building that not only meets the practical needs of urban living but also enriches Porto's aesthetic and cultural fabric. Boavista 339 is a beacon of innovation, demonstrating that elegance and functionality coexist harmoniously in modern architecture.