VISITOR SUPPORT BUILDING, AZAMBUJA, 2016-2018

For the rehabilitation of the Horta da Maia Building, a strategy of functional reorganisation and construction implementation was proposed, taking into account the clear objective of revitalising the village and rehabilitating its built heritage.

 

It was considered essential to “open up” the building’s exterior space to the public garden, thereby creating greater proximity to all users. The space would thus be experienced in a more open and relaxed way, promoting leisure and well-being, while maintaining the building’s character as a place of privacy.

​

The intervention involves a careful adaptation to a new function as a Visitor Support Centre. This adaptation requires the reorganisation of circulation routes, both horizontal and vertical between floors. It is also necessary to resize sanitary facilities and all other support areas, and to introduce mechanical accessibility systems for people with reduced mobility. A ramp was also designed to provide access to the building, developed in the exterior space in a subtle and integrated manner.

​

Following the analysis of the building and its pathologies, it was decided to replace all window frames, highlighting the original shape of the openings, to treat all existing cracks in walls and ceilings, and simultaneously to ensure effective ventilation of all spaces, as this is the main cause of many pathologies. All building services were renewed in accordance with the new intended uses of the spaces.

​

The interiors were simplified through the use of white paint on wooden elements, and floors were covered with a single, uniform finish, with the exception of the entrance area and stairs, where the original stone paving was preserved. For existing elements such as the roof, conservation works and selective replacement of components were planned, along with improvements wherever pathologies were identified. The existing outdoor tank was also rehabilitated within the landscape architecture project, with water reuse for irrigation. In the exterior, other less significant annex structures were demolished in order to highlight the main building and allow the implementation of new access routes to the entrance.

​

To connect the building’s exterior space with the public garden, the alignment of levels with the eastern plots was adjusted through a series of built elements, unifying the entire outdoor/public space into a single continuous area.