Adaptive reuse of vernacular built heritage: learnings from Alcino Cardoso House (1971–1991) by Álvaro Siza

Abstract

The Alcino Cardoso House (first phase: 1971–1973; second phase: 1988–1991), located in northern Portugal, was one of the first interventions in pre-existing buildings undertaken by the Pritzker Prize-winner architect Álvaro Siza (1933) to receive national and international acclaim. The design consisted of the conservation of vernacular farm buildings and their transformation into a holiday home and tourist accommodation. This intervention echoes the concerns of the critical revision of modern architecture in the Portuguese context (the so-called ‘third way’ as coined by Fernando Távora) marked by an innovative reinterpretation of tradition: modern principles such as spatial fluidity, curtain wall glass façade, architectural promenade are introduced while respecting the pre-existence landscape and character by integrating vernacular design principles and construction techniques. This early Álvaro Siza intervention in a rural context has become a reference case-study for the School of Porto architects and provides us with lessons on contemporary reuse of built heritage.

Toward the Adaptive Reuse of Vernacular Architecture: Practices from the School of Porto

“…The authors acknowledge the support and collaboration of the following individuals and institutions: Eleonora Fantini, Miguel Frias Coutinho, and Tiago Trindade Cruz, who participated in the research for the case study of Alcino Cardoso House [95][96][97]; Beatriz Filipe, Eleonora Fantini, Hugo Mendonça, and Daniel Duarte Pereira, for the production and artwork of the analytical drawings; the Atelier of Eduardo Souto de Moura and Luís Ferreira Alves, for providing drawings and photographs; the Marques da Silva Foundation, Casa da Arquitectura, the Serralves Foundation, and the Canadian Center for Architecture, for providing access to their archives and graphic materials; to the owners of the buildings (especially Clemente Menéres Semide, Sofia Thenaisie, and Zilda Cardoso) for allowing us access and providing us with valuable information.…”

Vernacular Architecture of Bhutan as a Brand: Paradigms and Paradoxes

“…All these constitute tangible and intangible cultural traditions which reflect in the built heritage of countries. Ferreira1 et al have observed that traditional built heritage forms a paradigm of sustainability as they combine the preservation of cultural values and collective identities together with landscape integration (Ferreira, 2023). Ardhyanto, et al have concluded that vernacular architecture serves as a historical testament, encapsulating the values of a community and reflecting their evolution and agreements over time .…”