CF House

The CF House project is a transformative remodel of a historic home in the heart of Porto, originally part of the Estêvão de Vasconcelos Workers’ Colony built in the 1910s. Over the years, the house underwent various modifications that deviated from its original design, though its overall footprint remained unchanged. This renovation sought to modernize the home for contemporary living while carefully increasing its usable space without altering its external height.

Taking advantage of the existing structure, the design introduced two new floors within the original volume. The generous ceiling height allowed for the creation of an upper floor, while the space beneath the house—originally used for ventilation—was repurposed to accommodate an additional level. Given the home’s elevated position above street level, a basement was excavated to provide a garage and storage area.

While the interior was entirely reconfigured, the building’s exterior character was preserved, maintaining the original facades and roof. As a structure of Municipal Significance, the design carefully retained the number and placement of windows on the main façade. The home’s primary entrance remains accessible via a shared stairway, while a new secondary access allows entry through the garage, leading up to the main floor.

The redesigned main floor embraces an open-concept layout, where the living and dining areas seamlessly connect to an open kitchen, all benefiting from natural light streaming in from a small existing patio. A discreetly placed restroom completes this level. The upper floor introduces a private suite, two additional bedrooms, and a shared bathroom. With its proximity to the roofline, this level provided an opportunity to create uniquely detailed ceilings and windows, adding character to the home’s renewed interior.

By balancing historical preservation with thoughtful adaptation, the CF House project breathes new life into a century-old home while respecting its architectural legacy.