Intervention in the Nacional Building

The A Nacional Building, located on Avenida dos Aliados in Porto, is an emblematic 1925 work designed by architect Marques da Silva, which underwent a comprehensive rehabilitation between 2021 and 2024. The renovation, led by architects Cristina Guedes and Francisco Vieira de Campos from the Menos é Mais firm, preserved the building’s history, symbolism, and heritage value while adapting it to enhance the city’s residential offering by converting former insurance company offices into 18 apartments, alongside maintaining commercial spaces on the ground and basement floors.

Structurally, the intervention included executing new lightweight metal mezzanine floors in levels 1 to 4, the complete demolition and reconstruction of slabs and pillars in floors 5 and 6 with solutions respecting the original architectural design, and constructing a new skylight at the top composed of metal porticos with T-sections to provide natural light. The works also included structural reinforcement to accommodate new loads, improving comfort and functionality for residents.

The A Nacional Building was recognized in 2025, among other honors, at the João de Almada Award in the categories of best residential use intervention and restoration, standing as an exemplary case of urban rehabilitation and architectural heritage preservation in Porto.