A striking residential renovation project in Porto's historic Miragaia district has successfully reimagined traditional Portuguese hillside terraces through contemporary architectural design. The Monte dos Judeus project, developed by António Bessa Cruz Architects in collaboration with José Carlos Cruz Arquitecto, transforms a deteriorated structure into a modern multi-apartment complex that honors the area's distinctive terraced landscape while meeting contemporary living needs.
The innovative design unfolds through a carefully orchestrated sequence of stepped concrete platforms, with each level hosting a separate apartment unit. This architectural approach directly draws inspiration from the organic layering of platforms that historically defined Miragaia's built environment, creating a contemporary interpretation that respects the neighborhood's unique character. The stepped configuration follows the site's natural topography while strategically maximizing panoramic views of the Douro River and the surrounding historic rooftops.
Each apartment occupies its own dedicated level within the structure, featuring private outdoor spaces that establish a direct connection to the surrounding landscape. This design strategy deliberately recalls the terraced gardens and private backyards that once covered the hillside, creating a bridge between the area's agricultural past and its urban present. The individual platforms provide residents with personal outdoor retreats while maintaining the overall cohesion of the building's architectural narrative.
The renovation project was constructed upon a pre-existing structure that had fallen into significant disrepair over time. In a thoughtful preservation effort, the original facade tiles were carefully removed from the deteriorating building and stored for later reapplication to the renovated structure. This meticulous approach demonstrates the architects' commitment to maintaining historical continuity while introducing contemporary elements.
For the street-facing elevation, the architectural team pursued a dual strategy that balances historical preservation with modern intervention. The original facade was faithfully reconstructed using the salvaged tiles, while an abstract contemporary volume was added to complement the historic structure. This new addition features corrugated metal sheet cladding, a material choice that reflects the characteristic building traditions of the Miragaia district and creates visual harmony with neighboring structures.
The collaborative design approach between António Bessa Cruz Architects and José Carlos Cruz Arquitecto employs a deliberately restrained contemporary architectural language. Rather than resorting to historical imitation, the design respects the site's scale and context through thoughtful material selection, volumetric composition, and sensitive treatment of the rear facade. This approach reflects a sophisticated understanding of the site's historical significance and demonstrates a strong connection to the location's collective memory.
The project's material palette and volumetric strategy emerge from a careful analysis of the local context and building traditions. The corrugated metal cladding not only references local architectural practices but also provides a contemporary counterpoint to the restored historic facade elements. The rear facade treatment particularly showcases this sensitive balance between preservation and innovation, creating a dialogue between different architectural periods.
Monte dos Judeus represents more than just a residential renovation; it embodies a thoughtful approach to urban regeneration that honors historical memory while accommodating modern living requirements. The project successfully bridges the gap between the area's terraced agricultural past and its contemporary urban identity, creating a model for sensitive development in historic neighborhoods. Each apartment's connection to private outdoor space and landscape views ensures that residents can experience the same relationship to the natural environment that characterized the site's original terraced gardens.
The photography for the project was completed by Alexander Bogorodskiy, capturing the successful integration of the stepped concrete platforms with the surrounding hillside context. The images demonstrate how the contemporary intervention harmonizes with the historic fabric while establishing its own distinct architectural identity within Porto's evolving urban landscape.
