Project: Building in the historic center of Albufeira
Type of project: Planning application for change of use
Date: 2023 – 2024
Phase: Planning application
Description: The client contacted us with the aim of changing the use of a three storey building with a very small footprint, from a restaurant to a mixed use of commercial and one bedroom residential apartment.
With an enviable location in the heart of Albufeira’s historic center, the building is just a stone’s throw from the beach and has a fantastic sea view from the top floor over Praia dos Pescadores. The building has been vacant for a number of years, and successive owners have been notoriously uninterested in maintaining the restaurant business. Despite its proximity and visibility from the beach, it is located in a predominantly residential area, on the outskirts of the commercial area of bars and restaurants. The aim is to help restore the residential character of the neighborhood and reduce the number of cars parked in the surrounding area.
The main challenge of this project was to adapt this three storey building to its new uses. The residential unit occupies levels 1 and 2, with an independent access from the street. With a footprint of just over 30m2, the bedroom and bathroom were located on the 1st floor and the living room with kitchenette on the 2nd floor, making full use of the sea view from this space. The existing stairs are comfortable and are being retained.
On the ground floor, two façade openings will be altered to create an independent entrance and a glazed opening for the new commercial space. The aim it to main the existing alignments and the character of the façade.