Edificio Pharmacia
Located close to the historic centre of Porto, the Edifício Pharmacia renovation project breathes new life into the former Faculty of Pharmacy, preserving its identity while opening it up to new ways of living and working.
History meets modernity
Promoted by Violas Ferreira Group and designed by architect Duarte Morais Soares, the project is rooted in an iconic historic structure, carefully adapted to new uses while being connected to a newly built volume in the courtyard. This intervention establishes a dialogue between memory and contemporary requirements, resulting in a cohesive ensemble that derives its strength precisely from the relationship between its parts.
The original building now accommodates six office units, defined by generous proportions, high ceilings and large glazed openings that allow abundant natural light to flood the interiors. These qualities create flexible and comfortable environments, well suited to contemporary ways of working.
As we preserved the large external openings, the elevated ceiling heights and the stone structure of the building, we were able to maintain a clear reading of its historical identity. This approach highlights its academic and cultural past while enhancing the interior in terms of scale, natural light and constructive expression.
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Duarte Morais Soares, architect
In the courtyard, the new residential building comprises 28 units, predominantly studios, complemented by a limited number of one-bedroom apartments. The outdoor space brings both volumes together, functioning as a shared area for leisure and social interaction, encouraging moments of community.
Sustainability from every angle
From the outset, the decision to rehabilitate the existing structure reflects a sustainable approach by extending its lifecycle. This principle, however, runs throughout the entire project.
The refurbishment of the historic building was complemented by the integration of contemporary construction solutions, including enhanced thermal insulation of façades and roofs, as well as the installation of high-performance window systems. Together, these contribute to a more efficient and comfortable indoor environment.
Within this context, the SlimLine 38 system by Reynaers Aluminium was selected. Its “look and feel”, inspired by traditional steel frames, resonates with the building’s historic character, combining refined aesthetics with high thermal performance. Beyond its visual and functional qualities, the system stands out for its durability, low maintenance requirements and full recyclability without loss of quality. Its commitment to sustainability and circularity is confirmed by Cradle to Cradle Bronze (v5.0) certification.
These combined efforts contributed to achieving BREEAM Very Good level of certification. BREEAM is an internationally recognised sustainability assessment method that evaluates buildings across multiple criteria, including energy performance, materials and occupant wellbeing.
A renewed role within the urban fabric
Beyond the architectural intervention itself, the project plays a key role in reintegrating a landmark building into Porto’s urban fabric, preserving its architectural heritage while opening it to a new future.
The coexistence of office spaces within the rehabilitated building and residential units in the new volume creates a hybrid environment that reinforces the dynamics of this central area of the city, introducing new rhythms, flows and ways of inhabiting the urban space.
As architect Duarte Morais Soares notes: “The intervention sought to enhance its urban context, making it more dynamic, strengthening the quality of the built environment in the city centre, and enabling new forms of use and integration — ultimately contributing, in an integrated and sustainable way, to improving citizens’ quality of life.”
Used systems
Involved stakeholders
Photographer
- Alexander Bogorodskiy
Other stakeholder
- Violas Group (Investors)
