Discover the Charm of Modern Apartment Design in Barcelos: A Tour of Jardim Velho Apartment

Nestled in the historic heart of Barcelos, Portugal, the Jardim Velho Apartment stands as a beacon of modern apartment design. Architects André Simão and Nuno Bessa have masterfully transformed the top floor of a collective housing building into a contemporary living space that speaks volumes of innovation and style. This 256 m² apartment, completed in 2023, is a testament to modern architecture's ability to blend seamlessly with the historical context of Barcelos.

The Architectural Marvel of Jardim Velho Apartment

Facing one of the city’s oldest squares, the “Old Garden”, the Jardim Velho Apartment offers a unique living experience shaped by its irregular plan and multiple sunlight fronts. This design challenge turned into an opportunity, allowing the architects to create an engaging and dynamic interior landscape.

The Heart of the Home: Social Space Design

The social area of the apartment epitomizes modern living with its open space concept, promoting interaction and visual continuity. This lively area is a strategic game of cabinets and open shelves, underpinned by the whimsical shapes of the ceilings and an organic, curvilinear step. At the center of this architectural ballet stands a monolithic piece of furniture, serving multiple purposes from storage to a TV/media stand, and even a bar. This central piece is the gravitational heart of the apartment, around which all other elements orbit.

Material and Color: Crafting the Atmosphere

The choice of materials and colors plays a pivotal role in the ambiance of the Jardim Velho Apartment. The design transitions from white, unassuming wall plans to vibrant blue lacquered wooden panels, culminating in the extensive use of natural “sucupira” wood. This wood is not just a material; it's a character in its own right, defining floors, ceilings, and furniture while bathing in the diverse and plentiful light that the apartment enjoys.

Lighting: The Final Touch

In modern apartment design, lighting is not just functional; it is an essential component of the aesthetic and mood. In the Jardim Velho Apartment, artificial lighting is purposefully extravagant and diffuse, adding depth and drama to each architectural and decorative element. This careful planning ensures that the transition from the vibrant social areas to the more intimate and private spaces is not just a physical journey, but an emotional one as well.

Navigating Through Space: The Dramatic Corridor

Connecting the public and private realms of the apartment is a long, dark, and theatrical corridor. This element of the design emphasizes the dramatic shift from the bustling city life of Barcelos to the serene and contemplative ambiance of the private quarters. It is this journey, marked by contrast and anticipation, that defines the living experience in the Jardim Velho Apartment.

A New Standard for Modern Apartment Design in Barcelos

The Jardim Velho Apartment by André Simão and Nuno Bessa sets a new benchmark for modern apartment design in Barcelos. It stands as a prime example of how contemporary architecture can respect and rejuvenate historical contexts, providing a living space that is both reflective of its environment and ahead of its time.

Discover the blend of history and modernity in Barcelos through the lens of the Jardim Velho Apartment, and get inspired for your next home.

All photographs are work of Carlos Eduardo Vinagre