Misericórdia 137
The building located at number 137 Rua da Misericórdia has two distinct stories. One is recounted on the main façade, which was carefully restored to preserve and enhance the architectural features it possesses, which translate the identity of the building and its setting. The rear façade underwent a different sort of intervention.
The building located at number 137 Rua da Misericórdia has two distinct stories. One is recounted on the main façade, which was carefully restored to preserve and enhance the architectural features it possesses, which translate the identity of the building and its setting.
The windows were replaced, the blue azulejos covering the façade were carefully washed. All the features that express the history of the building and integrate it harmoniously in the urban landscape were preserved. The rear façade underwent a different sort of intervention. It was decided to paint it pastel blue and exchange the casement windows for French windows to allow users of the apartments to enjoy the view over the narrow and often rundown streets of Bairro Alto.
The interior of the building was symmetrically divided by the stairwell. As a lift had to be installed, the typology of the apartments on the north side of the building was redefined, varying the offer available and multiplying the number of apartments.
One of the shops on the ground floor – site of the former Veritas Pharmacy – now has a shop that sells soap, which goes by the name of Claus. The wood of the original display cabinets was carefully restored and the Claus products stand on the shelves as if these had been custom-built to receive them. The very successful restoration of the ceilings and its carved stucco work contribute to the experience of entering a shop that seems to have been there forever.
