Nestled on a tranquil street in the heart of Aveiro, Portugal, the Park House gracefully merges history with modernity. Overlooking a lush city park, this architectural masterpiece is the result of a sensitive restoration and expansion of a once-deteriorated Art Nouveau building from the early 20th century. The building’s original limestone façade, intricately carved with motifs of plants, animals, and human figures, served as the foundational inspiration for the transformation.
Architect Paulo Martins ensured that these elements, rich in architectural and historical significance, were not only preserved but also became the soul of the new design. The Park House extends towards the green heart of the city, as if it had organically grown from the original facade. This extension, a stony structure seemingly carved from the essence of the old building, is accentuated by wooden slats that create a mesmerizing play of lines and shadows, celebrating the passage of time.
Constructed using cross-laminated timber (CLT), a material renowned for its strength and sustainability, the Park House unfolds across four distinct floors, each with its own character. The basement is a tranquil retreat, housing a garage and workspace that invite introspection and reflection. The ground floor is the vibrant social hub of the home, where spaces are designed to foster gatherings and shared moments. Ascending to the upper floors, one finds four luxurious suites, each offering a blend of comfort and privacy. Crowning this exquisite structure is a terrace that provides a breathtaking 360-degree view of Aveiro, offering a serene space to take in the beauty of the surroundings.
Paulo Martins has masterfully woven the old and new, allowing the Park House to emerge as a beacon of architectural innovation while paying homage to its historical roots. The building is not just a home but a narrative carved in stone and wood, telling the story of a past preserved and a future imagined. The Park House stands as a perfect example of how architecture can respect the past while embracing the future, creating a space that is both timeless and contemporary.
Fact Sheet
Project name: Casa do Parque . Park House
Firm Name: Paulo Martins Arquitectura e Design
Architect Name: Paulo Martins
Location: Aveiro, Portugal
Total area: 518m2
Photo Credit: Ivo Tavares Studio
