8 de Maio Square Mansards Renovation by Tisem: Historic Preservation Meets Modern Comfort

Situated atop the iconic 8 de Maio Square in the historic heart of Figueira da Foz, the 8 de Maio Square Mansards project represents a meticulous rehabilitation of a 19th-century building with significant patrimonial value. With commanding views over the river and the square, this three-story building with an attic and symmetrical elevations presented both challenges and opportunities for Tisem architects, who embraced the restoration with a careful balance of tradition and modern living standards.

The existing mansard roof exhibited structural pathologies, providing a unique opportunity to rethink the attic’s layout. The project focused on preserving and enhancing the architectural character while improving structural safety, comfort, and energy performance. By optimizing the usable space on the top floor, the renovation also ensured financial viability while creating a harmonious dialogue between old and new.

Design Strategy and Architectural Interventions

Tisem’s design strategy centered on several key objectives:

• Maximizing views of the square and river for all living spaces.
• Rebuilding the roof with three Marseille-tiled slopes and a hidden gutter, replicating the original aesthetic while improving structural integrity.
• Reinforcing the existing wooden structure of the top floor to increase longevity.
• Integrating natural light and ventilation through zinc-coated mansard windows aligned with the lower-floor openings.
• Highlighting structural rhythm as an interior design feature, emphasizing the geometry and materiality of the new roof structure.
• Enhancing spatial height and comfort, ensuring all rooms are functional and luminous.

Layout and Apartment Configuration

The renovated attic now hosts two modern apartments designed for optimal functionality and comfort:

• Two-Room Apartment: Open-plan living and kitchen area, one bedroom, a bathroom, and technical/storage space.
• Three-Room Apartment: Similar layout with an additional bedroom and extended living area, featuring a kitchen island.

Both apartments have living rooms oriented southward, capturing views of the square and river, while other rooms face east and west to ensure natural light throughout.

Interior Design and Materials

The interiors celebrate simplicity, light, and warmth. Key features include:

• White interior finishes that enhance natural light and spatial clarity.
• Natural wood textures on floors and ceilings, providing warmth and continuity.
• Exposed structural grids from the roof, creating a rhythmic and harmonious spatial experience.

Tisem’s approach embraces a modern interpretation of historic preservation, where interventions respect the building’s legacy while reflecting contemporary design principles. The architecture remains unpretentious yet refined, ensuring that each intervention continues the story of the building without imitating the past.

Architectural Significance

The 8 de Maio Square Mansards project demonstrates how sensitive restoration can simultaneously:

• Preserve cultural heritage.
• Enhance habitable quality and safety.
• Introduce modern amenities and energy efficiency.
• Maintain visual and material continuity between old and new.