Rehabilitation of an Apartment by CorreiaRagazzi Arquitectos // Braga, Portugal. (Yellowtrace)

Graça Correia & Roberto Ragazzi from Porto-based studio Correia/Ragazzi Arquitectos have merged two floors of a 1990s apartment block in Braga, north-west Portugal, to create the 375sqm duplex for a family. A sculptural white staircase links a geometric tiled foyer to the upper level of this remodelled apartment.

The patterned floor tiles spread across the lower floor, which comprises a kitchen with stainless steel units, utility room and guest bedroom with en-suite bathroom to one side of the entrance hall. On the other side, an open-plan living and dining area with white walls, black cupboards, book shelves and large glazed doors that provide access to a decked terrace.

In the foyer, black timber panels conceal storage areas against the back wall of the stairwell that contrast with the white micro-cement finish of the walls and the staircase. At the top of the stairs a corridor with warm-toned timber floors leads to the left to a master suite comprised of four separate spaces – a reading room and gym, bedroom, walk-in wardrobe and a pale tiled bathroom. The two smaller suites, for each child, are on the opposite side of the apartment; with timber floors, grey cupboards and access to a balcony as well as a bathroom covered in glass and mirror, with natural light. Ahh-mazing! That is all.