This hotel in Portugal is respectful to its history, while being bold in its transformation.
There is an elegant mix of old and new at the Villa Theatro Hotel in Portugal. The façade, the granite base, the frieze, and the arched windows are all beautiful preserved with a new meaning at this charming hotel in Braga, Portugal.
Built in the 20th century, the house was once home to a bakery on the ground floor with offices and residential units above, until Arquitectos Aliados was commissioned to turn it into a superlative hotel that melds 19th century elegance with modern charm.
Led by Susana Leite and Luis Barbosa e Silva, of Arquitectos Aliados, the project was a comprehensive overhaul, including the interior design.
Originally, the building stood out for its asymmetrical lower floors and a rigorously symmetrical upper section, a design influenced by early 19th-century architecture, and the then-owner Moura Coutinho’s travels to France.
Notable features included a robust plinth of local grey granite and a high-relief frieze depicting Sumerian-inspired winged figures, elements that captured the artistic sensibilities of its era.
The transformation was both respectful of the building’s historical essence and daring in its modernisation.
“We proposed a new stairwell and elevator (not foreseen in the original design), a large lobby instead of the original two small ones, and making the first floor terrace accessible by removing a cluster of small annexes that were in the way,” the design firm said.
On the first floor is a bow window above the door to the upper floors and a set of three deeply arched windows above the commercial door.
Upstairs, the design team made significant changes to improve functionality and the aesthetic appeal. The first-floor terrace was opened up by removing a cluster of small, obstructive annexes, creating a fluid and accessible outdoor space that adds a new dimension to the building’s usability.
The architectural updates extend to the very top of the building, where the original Parisian-styled dormer windows and faux colonnade now sit against a backdrop of terracotta tiles with newly lined white zinc.
The design team developed nine short-term accommodation flats, each distinct in layout and design, alongside modern commercial spaces. The color palette shifted from the traditional shades of pink, grey, and white to a more contemporary mustard yellow, ivory white, and cream, reflecting a fresh and modern vibe while maintaining the symbol’s classic appeal.
Photo credit: Ivo Tavares
