Santo António House by José Adrião Arquitetos: Modern Renovation in Estoril, Portugal

Santo António House, located in the prestigious coastal town of Estoril, Portugal, exemplifies a sophisticated blend of modern renovation and timeless architectural heritage. Originally designed in 1972 by José Bruschy and Virgílio Leal da Costa, this 5,210 ft² residence underwent a sensitive renovation in 2022 by José Adrião Arquitetos, preserving its distinctive L-shaped volumetric form while enhancing functional living spaces and outdoor integration.

The building’s northern façade features a striking combination of a vertical cylindrical volume and two box-like sections, deliberately without window openings, which secure privacy and frame the entrance. In contrast, the southern and western sides open generously to the garden, creating a seamless dialogue between interior and exterior spaces. The renovation carefully respected the original architectural concept, maintaining the overall massing and spatial configuration while adapting for contemporary living.

To elevate the relationship with the outdoors, the pool was relocated to lower terrain, expanding the garden and ensuring privacy from the interior. A new pergola wraps around the building’s south-facing living areas and bedrooms, providing shaded outdoor spaces and fostering fluid movement between interior and exterior environments. This design intervention enhances outdoor living opportunities while framing picturesque views of the landscape.

Inside, the functional layout remains largely intact with subtle modifications to improve usability and spatial flow. The kitchen now opens to the living area, supporting versatile day-to-day use. Original thick stone tile flooring was preserved, while domed ceilings were removed to maximize interior volume under the existing roof slabs. On the southern side, a new extension accommodates the kitchen and dining area, with a terrace above serving as a shaded outdoor dining space under the pergola. The basement includes a contemporary office and studio, seamlessly integrating modern work-from-home requirements.

Santo António House stands as a model of respectful architectural renovation, harmoniously balancing heritage, modern living, and outdoor connectivity. It demonstrates how sensitive design interventions can enhance spatial experience without compromising historical integrity.

All photographs are works of  Fernando Guerra | FG+SG