Prazeres House and JAA Studio

This house sits in a narrow Alcântara street, almost indistinguishable from the neighbouring houses. It is an example of modern construction for a contemporary dwelling that makes use of the existing façade, the only element that could be saved in a building destined to end up a ruin. The new building creates space through its new compositional form and internal organisation. A basement level and terrace area were added and the interior was divided into two areas. One area houses all the technical features, conduits and pipes, circulation spaces, kitchens and bathrooms. The other is pure space. The building, which features two inter-communicating dwellings, opens up to the exterior of the courtyards and terrace. The upper dwelling has a large skylight which provides daylight to the living spaces and bedrooms. To accentuate the informal character of this house, which was a goal from the outset, the designers opted for raw finishes.