A Casa de Além. Da Arquitectura popular ao projecto de reabilitação

Abstract

In this Master thesis "A Casa de Além - Da Arquitectura Popular ao Projecto de Reabilitação", a study that supports the architectural intervention on an existing building is elaborated. The project is developed from a real proposal for a rehabilitation of a rural complex and landscape that is composed by a house, a cellar with an eira and a typical espigueiro, as well as the surrounding fields, located in Cabeceiras de Basto county, in northern Portugal. The rehabilitation of Casa de Além is an exercise followed by a theoretical essay focusing on the contextualization and intervention on the pre-existing elements. The thesis divides itself in two large chapters defined as theoretical bases that support the presented intervention project. Initially is developed a contextual framing of the study piece, focusing the themes from landscape to the built components. Through the reconnaissance of the territory, its history and memories the landscape is characterized. The local vernacular architecture of Minho region is addressed, explaining concepts, illustrating existing building types, using the most significate written references on the subject as a base for the study. Recalling to the analysis of referential archetypes through the nearby villages helps the comprehension of the study. The second chapter presents the theoretical basis for the intervention project, from theories to practical examples. The theories of rehabilitation are essential guides for any action on an existing object. When associated to project references of other architects these examples value the experience by defining useful guidelines on how to act more consciously. The analysis of these case study, by Portuguese and foreign architects is a fundamental practice to comprehend the different procedures and ways of working that invariably change according to each situation. The adopted logics are recognized as well as the conditions they were used as to signify a valid contribution to the study of the thesis project, from the basic idea to detail. The two developing phases of this thesis culminate on the intervention project for Casa de Além. The project is a result of the assimilation of the theory studies, confronted by the unique specifications of the site and the pre-existing buildings. Even though this is an academic approach to a real situation, it intends to be a guide for a future real intervention. Abstract