Project: Vigário House
Architects: AND-RÉ
Location: 4580 Paredes, Portugal
Area: 4,843 sq ft
Photographs by: Fernando Guerra | FG+SG
Vigário House by AND-RÉ
The Vigário House project is a particular and sensitive project by AND-RÉ Studio. The project dates back to 2008 but it was completed in early 2015. It represents a modern renovation of old ruins in Paredes, Portugal. Both of the structures live in complete harmony, but it is always best to see for yourself as pictures can describe it way better than words can.
From the architects: “The project is the outcome of the privileged context of the existing ruins, setting the conditions that unfold the new architecture narrative.
The new organism adapts itself to the old stone walls, filling the existing interstitial spaces, unifying the mass and providing a contrast backdrop against the rough stone surfaces – the main characters in the narrative – in a close dialog between the old and the new.
The stone ruins are the main element in the plot, being the new body a silent ally and a neutral stage.
On the other hand, the new body translates a gesture that respects the nostalgia and history of the past, thus avoiding its loss and its fall into oblivion. At the same time, the new intervention uses the past for its own benefit, taking advantage of the geometry, textures and visual properties.”
