Casa da Severa

The Casa da Severa is a seemingly standard residential building in the dense fabric of the Intendente/Mouraria area that has significantly changed the image and uses of the structures that surround it. The remodelling project converted a residential building in Largo da Severa into a cultural facility now known as the Casa da Severa. In adapting the existing space to its new public programme, the design team opted to demolish the building’s degraded interior and conserve its exterior, thus maintaining its strong urban identity. The café/restaurant, the facility’s main space, is now accessed directly from the public space by means of a staircase. The staircase also functions as an outside convivial space. The main room takes full advantage of the maximum ceiling height of 6.5 metres. One of the room’s walls also serves as a screen for video projections. The ground floor level houses the technical areas such as the kitchen, toilet facilities and storage spaces.