Located near the historic centre of Porto, Portugal, the Condomínio Pharmacia project transforms the former Faculty of Pharmacy into a mixed-use development that carefully balances preservation and contemporary design. Promoted by the Violas Ferreira Group and designed by architect Duarte Morais Soares of Morais Soares Arquitectos, the intervention redefines an iconic structure while maintaining its architectural identity.

The project is based on a dual approach: the rehabilitation of the original stone building and the addition of a new residential volume in the courtyard. This creates a strong architectural dialogue between old and new, where memory and modernity coexist without hierarchy. The historic structure now accommodates six office units with high ceilings, large spans, and generous glazed openings, preserving the academic character of the former faculty while adapting it for contemporary work environments.

The courtyard becomes the connecting element of the development, hosting a new building with 28 residential units, mostly studios and a limited number of one-bedroom apartments. This shared outdoor space strengthens community interaction and introduces a fluid relationship between work and living functions within the same complex.

A key element of the rehabilitation is the emphasis on sustainability. The decision to preserve and adapt the existing structure significantly extends its lifecycle, reducing environmental impact from the outset. This approach is reinforced through improved insulation, upgraded building envelopes, and high-performance fenestration systems.

A central technical choice was the integration of the SlimLine 38 by Reynaers Aluminium. Designed with a steel-inspired aesthetic, it aligns with the historical character of the building while delivering strong thermal efficiency and durability. Its recyclability and Cradle to Cradle Bronze certification further support the project’s circular economy ambitions.

These combined strategies contributed to achieving BREEAM Very Good certification, reflecting performance across energy, materials, and occupant wellbeing.

More than a restoration, Condomínio Pharmacia repositions a landmark within Porto’s urban fabric, creating a hybrid environment where heritage, housing, and work converge. As Morais Soares notes, the project enhances the city centre by introducing new uses and improving the quality of the built environment in a sustainable and integrated way.

Photographer: Alexander Bogorodskiy