Chinesas Milagrosas Building

Rehabilitation with memory in the heart of Alfama

The Chinesas Milagrosas Building project, whose name originates from a historical episode or Lisbon urban legend involving small rituals and unexplained healings attributed to two Chinese women, consisted of the rehabilitation of a Pombaline building located in Lisbon’s Baixa district. The intervention preserved most of the original structural and constructive elements, adapting them to meet contemporary standards of habitability.

reinterpretation of existing elements, integrating new infrastructure and vertical circulation
enhancement of the original structure through the exposure of vaults and construction materiality

Despite restrictions imposed by the Alfama Urban Plan, it was possible to recover the rooftop terrace, which occupies a unique position and offers 360º views over the Castle and the Pombaline downtown area.

continuous space defined by light and its relationship with the urban surroundings
habitable rooftop extending the interior and framing views over Lisbon
roof space shaped by inclined geometry and natural light

In Alfama, a building is reborn carrying the neighborhood's history — between ruins and miracles, architecture rebuilds the identity of place.

Client
Atorie Lda
Year
2013
Status
Done
Address
Rua da Padaria, nº 38/44, Alfama, Portugal
Architecture
André Ferreira, Joana Castanheira
Team
Joana Ribeiro, Catarina Caridade
Construction area
1200sqm
Engineering
Betar Consultores Lda; OMF Engenharia, Projectos e Serviços Lda; Rúben Manuel Coreia Sobral – Engenheiro Eletrotécnico
Constructor
Almeida e Ferreira Lda
Photography
FG+SG – Fotografia de Arquitetura
view over Lisbon reinforcing the building’s relationship with the territory

Projects that balance technical rigor, function and place.

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